Telangana to move Supreme Court against Andhra Pradesh’s river linking projects

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court against two major river interlinking projects proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Government—the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme and the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS). Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced the decision during a high-level review meeting held at Jala Soudha on Friday.

The Minister stated that both schemes violated established water-sharing agreements and posed a significant threat to Telangana’s irrigation projects and drinking water needs. He said Andhra Pradesh was proceeding with the projects unilaterally, without securing approvals from the requisite regulatory authorities.

A special meeting is to be convened shortly with legal experts, Standing Counsels of the Irrigation Department, and the Advocate General to prepare a legal strategy for filing a petition in the Supreme Court. The Minister asserted that Telangana would strongly contest the projects to protect its rightful share in the waters of the Godavari and Krishna rivers.

The Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme, estimated at ₹80,112 crore, aims to divert 200 TMC of water from the Godavari at Polavaram to Rayalaseema via the Bollapalli reservoir and Banakacherla head regulator. The proposal envisages the interlinking of the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers.

Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said the project contravenes the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award of 1980 and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (APRA) of 2014. He pointed out 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 further stated that Andhra Pradesh was attempting to misuse Sections 46(2) and 46(3) of the APRA, which provide for the development of backward regions, to secure Central funding. However, he warned that such provisions could not override the need for statutory approvals and environmental safeguards.

Telangana had earlier raised strong objections to the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, which seeks to draw water from the Krishna river basin. Due to persistent efforts by Telangana, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) ruled in February that Andhra Pradesh must restore the RLIS site to its original state.

The EAC found that Andhra Pradesh had violated environmental norms and directed the state to provide photographic evidence, restoration details, and timelines before reapplying for environmental clearance. This decision followed multiple representations by Telangana before the National Green Tribunal, the Supreme Court, MoEF&CC, and other forums.

Despite this partial success, the Minister said Andhra Pradesh continued to pursue the project by other means. He emphasised that Telangana would not remain a passive observer and would escalate the matter in the Supreme Court to prevent illegal construction and water diversion.

Reddy also expressed concern over the safety of Bhadrachalam, a major town on the Godavari river. He said large-scale diversion of floodwaters from Polavaram to Rayalaseema could disrupt the downstream flood pattern and endanger the temple town.

He stated that Telangana would seek Central assistance for constructing a protection wall around Bhadrachalam to shield it from potential flood risks. “We are taking proactive measures to ensure that Bhadrachalam is protected from any adverse impact due to changes in the Godavari’s flow,” he said.

During the review meeting, the Minister instructed senior officials to act swiftly. He urged the Irrigation Department to ensure fast and efficient decision-making. “Works must not be delayed unnecessarily. Officers should take prompt decisions,” he directed.

He added that tenders for desiltation works across the state would be floated soon. Stressing the importance of desilting, he said it would improve water storage capacity in tanks and reservoirs and enhance irrigation efficiency.

“We must ensure that every drop of water is used effectively. There should be maximum and scientific utilisation of irrigation resources. Telangana cannot afford to waste water while fighting for its rightful share,” he remarked.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also criticised the previous BRS government for failing to safeguard Telangana’s interests by allowing Andhra Pradesh to increase its water withdrawal capacity unchecked. He noted that the capacity of the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator had been increased from 44,000 to 92,600 cusecs between 2005 and 2023, with minimal resistance from Telangana.

He blamed the delay in convening the Apex Council meeting in August 2020 for enabling Andhra Pradesh to proceed with RLIS tenders.

The Minister concluded by reaffirming the Congress Government’s commitment to rectifying past lapses and defending the state’s water rights through legal and institutional channels.

“We will not allow Andhra Pradesh to divert our rightful share of Godavari and Krishna waters. We are preparing for a strong legal battle. Our case in the Supreme Court will be based on facts, law, and the fundamental rights of the people of Telangana,” he said.

He assured that the Congress Government would make every effort to protect Telangana’s water resources, its farmers, and future generations.