The Telangana government has decided to engage experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H), to assess the environmental and regional impact of the Polavaram Major Irrigation Project on the Godavari River in Telangana. This decision was announced following a meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Polavaram Project Overview
The Polavaram multipurpose project is considered a vital infrastructure development for Andhra Pradesh, designed to provide multiple benefits:
- Irrigation: It aims to irrigate 295,000 hectares (approximately 720,000 acres) of new farmland and stabilize 400,000 hectares of existing farmland.
- Drinking Water: The project will provide drinking water to 540 villages across East Godavari, West Godavari, and Visakhapatnam, benefiting 285,000 people.
- Hydel Power: It is expected to generate 960 megawatts of hydropower.
Located in the Ramayyapet block of Eluru district, the project was declared a national project in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2024, with 100% central funding. Although originally slated for completion in June 2020, the project has missed several deadlines, with the new completion date set for the end of 2027.
Impact on Telangana
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the irrigation department to collaborate with IIT-H experts to evaluate the impact of the Polavaram project’s backwaters on Telangana, particularly in the Bhadradri-Kothagudem district. A special officer will be appointed to coordinate with the IIT-H team, and a comprehensive report is expected within a month.
Concerns Over Lord Ram Temple at Bhadrachalam
In addition to the environmental study, the Telangana government is also concerned about the impact of the Polavaram project on the famous Lord Ram temple in Bhadrachalam. The temple town faced severe flooding in 2022 when the Godavari River surged to 27 lakh cusecs, submerging parts of the area. A study will be conducted to assess the potential threat posed by the construction of the Polavaram project to the temple.
Krishna-Godavari River Linking Project
Another issue raised during the meeting was the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to pursue the Krishna-Godavari river linking project, which involves diverting water from the Godavari River at Polavaram to Banakacharla on the Krishna River. The Telangana government has expressed concerns over the project, particularly as it is being undertaken without proper permission. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed the Telangana officials to raise objections to the Andhra Pradesh government’s actions and to contact the Godavari River Management Board and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to safeguard Telangana’s interests.
Key Figures Involved
- Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy: Leading the initiative and overseeing the assessment of the Polavaram project’s impact.
- State Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy: Participating in the discussions and decisions related to the project.
- State Government Advisor (Irrigation) Adityanath Das: Involved in coordinating the state’s response to the project’s impact.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary purpose of the Polavaram Major Irrigation Project?
- A) To provide drinking water to Telangana
- B) To provide irrigation and hydropower to Andhra Pradesh
- C) To build a temple in Bhadrachalam
- D) To divert water from the Krishna River
- Answer: B) To provide irrigation and hydropower to Andhra Pradesh
2. Which river is primarily affected by the Polavaram project in Telangana?
- A) Krishna River
- B) Godavari River
- C) Narmada River
- D) Cauvery River
- Answer: B) Godavari River
3. What specific area in Telangana will be studied for the impact of the Polavaram project?
- A) Hyderabad
- B) Bhadradri-Kothagudem district
- C) Warangal
- D) Nizamabad
- Answer: B) Bhadradri-Kothagudem district
4. What was the major concern regarding the Lord Ram temple at Bhadrachalam?
- A) The temple’s construction
- B) The temple’s impact on the river
- C) Flooding caused by the Godavari River
- D) The temple’s funding
- Answer: C) Flooding caused by the Godavari River
5. What project is the Andhra Pradesh government pursuing that concerns Telangana?
- A) Krishna-Godavari river linking project
- B) Godavari-Krishna water sharing agreement
- C) Construction of a new dam
- D) Development of new irrigation systems
- Answer: A) Krishna-Godavari river linking project