Banakacherla Project: Central Government Sends Back the Proposal – What’s Next?
Hyderabad, 1 July – (www.deccanlive.com): The central government has sent back the Banakacherla project proposal, following complaints by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, who said the project would seriously harm Telangana.
The Central Environmental Expert Committee has clearly stated that environmental clearance cannot be granted at this stage for the Polavaram–Banakacherla project. The committee also expressed several doubts and concerns about the project.
As a result, the central government has returned the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government’s proposal and made three important suggestions:
- The project proponents must conduct a comprehensive study on water availability with the help of the Central Water Commission (CWC).
- Consider allegations that the project violates the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award of 1980.
- Before preparing the Terms of Reference (ToR), the AP government must obtain clarity on inter-state water distribution from the CWC.
Background of the Project
The AP government, under Chandrababu Naidu, planned to divert surplus Godavari river water (which usually flows into the sea) to Rayalaseema districts. For this, they proposed to build the Banakacherla project.
However, both ruling and opposition parties in Telangana opposed the project, saying it would be a great injustice to their state. The Telangana government held an all-party meeting, gathered various opinions, and then submitted detailed complaints to the Union Jal Shakti Minister and other departments.
As a result, the Environmental Expert Committee refused to grant clearance at this stage.
Telangana’s Next Steps
Today, CM Revanth Reddy and Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy are set to present a PowerPoint presentation about the project. This presentation will include:
- Suggestions and opinions from Telangana MPs gathered in the recent all-party meeting.
- Actions taken by the Telangana government so far against the project.
- Future plans and strategies.
All Telangana cabinet ministers, MLAs, and MLCs will attend the session.
