Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy has directed the state’s irrigation department to commission a comprehensive study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) on the potential impact of the Polavaram project on Telangana. The report, which is to be submitted within a month, will assess the effects of the ongoing construction in Andhra Pradesh, particularly concerning water levels, submergence risks, and environmental concerns.
At a review meeting with irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, irrigation advisor to govt Adityanath Das and senior officials, the CM stressed the need for a dedicated officer from the Telangana govt to coordinate with the IIT-H team for the study. Additionally, the CM called for a detailed analysis of the threat the Polavaram project poses to the Bhadrachalam temple in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, which was submerged during a flood of 27 lakh cusecs of water in 2022. He highlighted that such issues must be thoroughly studied to avoid any risks to important cultural and religious sites.
Telangana irrigation department had raised concerns with the Central Water Commission and Polavaram Project Authority regarding potential submergence of Telangana’s territory due to the project’s backwater effects. These issues remain unresolved.Further, the meeting addressed the construction of Godavari Banakacherla project by the AP govt. The project, which has proceeded without necessary permissions, seeks to divert Godavari floodwaters to Krishna river. Telangana officials were instructed to raise objections with the AP govt and the Godavari River Management Board to protect Telangana’s water interests.AP govt argues the project will utilise surplus Godavari water to mitigate water scarcity in drought-prone areas, but Telangana remains concerned about potential adverse effects on its water resources.
CM Revanth called for a detailed analysis of the threat the Polavaram project poses to the Bhadrachalam temple in Bhadradri Kothagudem district
