Centre may ask TG, AP for dialogue on Banakacharla Link Project

The Centre may convene a meeting between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to iron out differences over launching of work by the latter on the controversial Polavaram Banakacharla Link Project (PBLC) through a special purpose vehicle, according to indications from the Ministry of Jala Shakti..

Following stiff opposition by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Ministry of Jal Shakti is understood to have decided to convene a meeting between the two neighbouring States to hammer out a solution, sources told Bizz Buzz.

At a Cabinet meeting held recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, while reiterating that the project will not affect Telangana, expressed willingness for arriving at a consensus through across-the-table discussions.

As per preliminary studies made by Andhra Pradesh, the project aims to link Godavari with Penna River through Krishna River by building a huge reservoir at Banakacharla in Nandyal district to solve water woes of drought-prone Rayalaseema region.

It is proposed to enhance the capacity of Polavaram Right Main Canal to 38,000 cusecs to evacuate Godavari water to Krishna. As part of the project, Thatipudi's capacity will be raised and a reservoir will be built in Guntur district to transfer water by lift.

The project mooted under Hybrid Annuity Model by the TDP-led coalition has been proposed to divert 200 tmcft of Godavari water to Penna via Krishna basin at a total estimated amount of Rs.80,000 crore.

Andhra Pradesh which wanted to take up the project through Jala Harati Corporation has sought funding for the project. from the Government of India. The Congress Government in Telangana alleged that erstwhile BRS Government of not giving 'consent' to the then YSRCP regime in Andhra Pradesh to use Godavari waters for benefiting Rayalaseema.

Officials said that that Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil after receiving representations on the project from both the States, is toying with the idea to explore an amicable settlement to the raging controversy.

Telangana Government has alleged that unilateral decision by Andhra Pradesh to conduct a pre-feasibility study on the link project violated the provisions on use of resources as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Telangana strongly pleaded the Centre for keeping the project under abeyance as no discussion has been initiated by the apex council of Krishna Godavari Management Board (KGMB), Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) and Central Water Commission (CWC).

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu said that the criticism about the project was politically motivated and that they wish to divert 200 tmcft of surplus Godavari water to Rayalaseema. He said the preliminary study report has been submitted to CWC on May 25 and they will take up DPR only after getting approval from the Centre.