The Telangana government has formally requested detailed information on the Polavaram (Godavari)-Banakacherla (Krishna) link project. This request, directed to the Chairman of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), follows reports published in prominent newspapers. G. Anil Kumar, the Engineer-in-Chief of the Irrigation Department, initiated the query, underscoring the potential implications of the project on regional water resources and agricultural irrigation.
Project Overview
The Polavaram-Banakacherla link project is designed to address water supply and irrigation challenges in Andhra Pradesh. Key features include:
- Drinking Water Supply: Benefitting approximately 80 lakh people.
- Irrigation Expansion: Adding 7.41 lakh acres of new irrigated land.
- Irrigation Stabilisation: Securing water supply for an additional 22.59 lakh acres of existing farmland.
Estimated Costs and Water Diversion Plans
- Project Cost: Initially estimated at ₹80,112 crore.
- Water Diversion: Utilizing surplus Godavari river flows for up to 120 days annually, crucial for meeting domestic and industrial demands.
Reservoir Capacity and Minimal Land Acquisition
The project plans to construct transit balancing reservoirs with a combined capacity of 150-200 tmc ft. A notable feature is the utilisation of the Bollapalle hill range in the Palnadu district as a natural reservoir, eliminating the need for large-scale land acquisition. By closing four small gaps in the hills, the plan is to store approximately 150 tmc ft of water efficiently.
Historical Water Use and Diversion Capacity
- Srisailam Reservoir Dependence: Between 2010 and 2019, about 855.69 tmc ft of water was drawn via the Pothireddypadu head regulator towards Banakacherla.
- Proposed Diversion Rate: At a capacity of 2 tmc ft per day, approximately 243 tmc ft could be redirected annually to the Rayalaseema region.
Key Features and Context
- GRMB Oversight: The project falls under the supervision of the Godavari River Management Board.
- Natural Reservoir Advantage: The Bollapalle hill range provides a sustainable and cost-effective storage solution.
- Ayacut Expansion: The scheme aims to enhance the area irrigated by this water source.
Implications for Telangana
Given the project’s scale and potential impact on regional water dynamics, Telangana’s request highlights concerns over equitable water sharing and the long-term sustainability of such large-scale diversions. The state’s inquiry seeks to ensure that the project does not adversely affect its water allocations and agricultural interests.
The Polavaram-Banakacherla project represents a significant step toward addressing water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh, but its execution must consider regional cooperation and environmental sustainability to ensure balanced development.
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