AP Tells Jal Shakti Panel PBLP Will Tap Only Surplus Godavari Flows

Vijayawada:The Andhra Pradesh government has informed a Union ministry of Jal Shakti–constituted committee that the proposed Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) is intended only to utilise surplus Godavari water that otherwise flows into the sea, after meeting the requirements of upper riparian states as per their entitlements.

The committee, headed by Central Water Commission (CWC) chairman Atul Jain, was constituted on January 2 to examine and help resolve inter-state water disputes, primarily between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Its first meeting was held in New Delhi on Friday, with participation from representatives of AP, Telangana, the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) and other central water bodies.

According to AP water resources adviser M. Venkateswara Rao, officials from the Jal Shakti ministry presented the CWC’s assessment and heard the views of both states on river water sharing.

During the meeting, Telangana officials questioned how approval was granted to Andhra Pradesh to utilise surplus Godavari water for the PBLP. AP officials responded that the project proposes to draw only surplus water that goes waste into the sea. CWC chairman Atul Jain reportedly asked Telangana officials what objection they had if Andhra Pradesh intended to use surplus water that was otherwise unutilised.

AP officials, in turn, questioned Telangana’s objections to PBLP when the latter had proceeded with projects such as Kaleswaram and Sitarama Sagar without Andhra Pradesh’s consent.

Telangana also sought a revision of the Krishna river water-sharing ratio to 50:50 from the existing 66:34. Andhra Pradesh objected, stating that such a change was not feasible as it was contrary to the decisions of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal and the Apex Council.

Telangana officials sought a week’s time to submit their detailed position to the CWC.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has revised the scope of the project and is now proposing the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project.

Infographic

Godavari Water Dispute

AP’s Stand:

Only surplus Godavari water to be utilised

Water otherwise flows into the sea

No impact on upper riparian states’ rights

Telangana’s Objections:

Questions permission for PBLP

Seeks 50:50 Krishna water-sharing ratio

AP’s Response:

Ratio change violates tribunal and Apex Council decisions

TG executed Kaleswaram, Sitarama Sagar without AP consent