Andhra Pradesh Godavari-Banakacharla Project Under CWC Scrutiny

Overview of the Proposed Project

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has requested comprehensive details about the proposed Andhra Pradesh Godavari-Banakacharla linkage project, which aims to divert 2 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the Godavari River at the Polavaram project site. This ambitious project, estimated at a cost of ₹85,000 crore, is intended to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the drought-prone Rayalaseema region and the coastal districts of Nellore and Prakasam.

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Key Objectives of the Project:

• Drinking Water Supply: Addressing water scarcity in the Rayalaseema region.
• Irrigation Support: Enhancing irrigation facilities for agriculture in Nellore and Prakasam districts.

Concerns Raised by Telangana and Other Riparian States

While Andhra Pradesh views this project as a solution to its water distribution challenges, it has raised significant concerns among neighboring States, especially Telangana. Other riparian States have also expressed apprehension about the potential impacts on water sharing.

Major Concerns:

• Telangana’s Water Entitlement: Telangana has asserted that the diversion of water from the Godavari basin could compromise its legitimate share of water resources.
• Impact on Riparian States: Neighboring States fear that the project could reduce their access to Godavari River water, leading to disputes.

Andhra Pradesh Godavari CWC’s Role and Recent Actions

The CWC’s recent communication to the Godavari and Krishna river management boards, along with the Polavaram Project Authority, has emphasized the need for transparency and detailed technical information about the project. This includes:

• Feasibility studies.
• Impact assessments on water availability.
• Detailed project reports (DPRs).

This move is seen as a step toward ensuring equitable water distribution and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

Andhra Pradesh Godavari The Significance of the Polavaram Project

The Polavaram project, a multipurpose irrigation venture, plays a central role in the proposed Godavari-Banakacharla linkage. As a key reservoir on the Godavari River, it serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. The new linkage project plans to tap into this resource, which has made the need for detailed scrutiny even more critical.

Polavaram Project at a Glance:

• Location: West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
• Purpose: Irrigation, drinking water, flood control, and power generation.
• Capacity: Designed to store and manage significant volumes of water.

Andhra Pradesh Godavari Potential Benefits of the Linkage Project

If successfully implemented, the Godavari-Banakacharla linkage project could:

• Alleviate Water Scarcity: Provide a reliable water source to drought-hit regions.
• Boost Agricultural Productivity: Enhance irrigation facilities, leading to improved crop yields.
• Promote Regional Development: Contribute to the socio-economic growth of the Rayalaseema and coastal regions.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its potential benefits, the project faces several hurdles:

1. Inter-State Disputes: Resolving disagreements among riparian States remains a significant challenge.
2. Environmental Concerns: The diversion of water could impact ecosystems dependent on the Godavari River.
3. Financial Viability: With an estimated cost of ₹85,000 crore, funding the project is a major concern.
4. Regulatory Approvals: Securing clearances from various regulatory bodies will require comprehensive impact assessments and stakeholder consultations.

Conclusion

The proposed Godavari-Banakacharla linkage project represents a bold step toward addressing water distribution challenges in Andhra Pradesh. However, its success hinges on transparent planning, inter-state cooperation, and addressing the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders. The CWC’s involvement will play a crucial role in ensuring that the project’s implementation is both equitable and sustainable.