State To Move SC Against Godavari-Krishna Projects

Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy today announced that the State government would approach the Supreme Court against two major river interlinking projects proposed by Andhra Pradesh - the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme and the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS).

Addressing a high-level review meeting at Jala Soudha, the minister said that both schemes violated existing water-sharing agreements and posed a serious threat to Telangana's irrigation needs and drinking water supply, and that the Telangana government would soon convene a meeting with legal experts, Irrigation Department Standing Counsels and the Advocate General to strategise the filing of a petition in the court.

"These projects are being taken up unilaterally by Andhra Pradesh without obtaining approvals from the appropriate regulatory bodies. Telangana will firmly contest these schemes in court to safeguard its rightful share of Godavari and Krishna river waters," Reddy said.

As per reports, the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme, estimated to cost Rs 80,112 crore, proposes to divert 200 TMC of water from the Godavari at Polavaram to Rayalaseema via the Bollapalli reservoir and Banakacherla head regulator - interlinking the Godavari, Krishna and Penna rivers.

Reddy said the project violated the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award of 1980 and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (APRA), 2014. He claimed that Andhra Pradesh had not obtained mandatory clearances from the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) or the Apex Council.

He also criticised Andhra Pradesh's alleged attempt to use Sections 46(2) and 46(3) of the APRA - provisions meant for developing backward regions - to secure the Central funds. "Such provisions cannot override the statutory requirement for approvals and environmental safeguards," he said.

The minister also expressed concern over the safety of Bhadrachalam, a temple town situated along the Godavari. He said that the large-scale diversion of floodwaters from Polavaram to Rayalaseema could disrupt the natural flood patterns downstream, increasing the risk to the town.

Reddy added that the Telangana government would seek Central assistance to build a protective wall around Bhadrachalam to shield it from future flood threats. He directed senior officials to act swiftly on the matter.