Telangana expressed strong objections to the execution of a massive ₹80,000 crore river linkage project by Andhra Pradesh, citing a complete breakdown in transparency and procedural compliance.
The Godavari-Bankacherla linkage, which seeks to divert an estimated 200 tmc ft of water from the Godavari basin through Polavaram to Rayalaseema via the Bollapalli reservoir and Bankacherla head regulator, has drawn serious concern over potential violations of riparian rights and inter-state water protocols. At a high-level meeting of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), Telangana’s irrigation officials took strong exception to what they termed an institutional lapse in failing to inform or consult the state on the proposed project. The issue assumes significance given that the Ministry of Jal Shakti had reportedly made a VIP reference to the GRMB on the Bankacherla project as early as November 2024. Telangana has alleged that the Board failed to share critical updates with its officials, thereby undermining the principles of co-riparian equity and federal transparency. Despite assurances from Andhra Pradesh that the detailed project report (DPR) for Bankacherla has not been finalised, Telangana contends that the scale of the project and its likely impact necessitate immediate scrutiny.
The Telangana delegation underlined that such large-scale water diversion schemes without the approval of the Central Water Commission or the GRMB could not only endanger water availability within Telangana but also violate the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award. With the water needs of downstream users already under strain due to climatic shifts and urban demands, the unauthorised redirection of water resources could worsen ecological balance and hinder sustainable development efforts. The presentation made by Telangana officials underscored the gravity of the matter, mapping out how the unauthorised modifications at Polavaram and the downstream flow disruption could imperil irrigation projects, drinking water supply, and aquatic ecology in the region. The meeting, chaired by the GRMB, also took note of a secondary issue raised by Telangana officials—alleging harassment of deputed officers, particularly women, within the Board’s functioning. Such administrative tensions further underscore the fractious dynamics between the states, as well as the institutional stress within GRMB tasked with equitable river management. Telangana officials also flagged their ₹15 crore Peddavagu modernisation plan, contrasting it with the unchecked scale of Andhra’s Bankacherla vision, calling attention to the asymmetry in policy enforcement and project appraisal.
While the GRMB is yet to issue a formal statement on the objections raised, the unfolding events once again spotlight the urgent need for a transparent, decentralised, and environmentally attuned water governance model. As inter-state river disputes gain complexity amid rising climate vulnerabilities and urban water stress, ensuring informed dialogue and equitable consent across co-basin states must become central to any project’s green clearance. Failure to do so risks not only ecological imbalance but deepening trust deficits between neighbouring governments—challenges that could derail efforts to build sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
Telangana raises alarm over Godavari link
