The state government will seek clearances, from the Union ministry of forests and environment, to go ahead with its plans of materialising the Pranahita-Chevella project.
The process of seeking clearances is set to begin in February.
According to sources in the government, the decision to harness upto 180 TMC of water from the Godavari was taken at a review meeting chaired by chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Tuesday.
The project is expected to incur an expenditure of Rs. 36,000 crore. The government will also push for the project to be declared as a "national project" so that part of the expenditure is met by Central funds.
According to sources, the government has also decided to take steps for the irrigation of lands under the proposed project.
Annually, the wastage of Godavari waters has been estimated to be 2,000 TMC.
Courtesy: INN
filed in:Environment, Pranahita-Chevella, Godavari River, Chevella, Reservoirs & Dams