Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP), Features and Concerns

Context: The Centre has announced the formation of a high‑level technical committee to examine inter-state water disputes—most notably the Polavaram Banakacherla link project—between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP)

• Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) is a proposed irrigation project by the Andhra Pradesh government to divert surplus Godavari water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region.
• Location: Banakacherla, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Involves water transfer via the Godavari–Krishna–Penna river linkage.

States Involved

• Andhra Pradesh: Project-implementing state.
• Telangana: Objecting state, citing legal and environmental concerns.

Project Features

• River Diversion Plan: Polavaram Right Main Canal capacity to be increased from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs.
  • Thatipudi Lift Canal upgraded from 1,400 to 10,000 cusecs.
  • Construction of a reservoir at Bollapalli to lift and transfer water via a tunnel through the Nallamala forest to Banakacherla.
• Lift Stations:
  • Five key lift points: Harischandrapuram, Lingapuram, Vyyandana, Gangireddypalem, Nakirekallu.
• River Linkage:
  • Connects Godavari → Krishna → Penna, facilitating water flow to Rayalaseema.

Concerns Raised by Telangana

• Violation of AP Reorganisation Act, 2014: Telangana argues the project lacks mandatory approvals required under the Act for inter-basin transfers.
• No Clearance from Regulatory Bodies: Lacks approvals from:
  • Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)
  • Godavari River Management Board (GRMB)
  • Central Water Commission (CWC)
• Godavari Tribunal Allocation Ignored: Telangana was allocated 968 TMCft out of 1,486 TMCft by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal.
  • Claims that surplus water estimation is not formally recognised.
• Threat to Telangana Irrigation Projects: Fears that diversion may negatively impact its reservoirs and irrigation schemes dependent on Godavari waters.

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