Polavaram–Banakacherla Lift Project

Context

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu clarified that the proposed Polavaram–Banakacherla Lift Irrigation Project, which diverts surplus Godavari floodwaters to Rayalaseema, will not infringe on the allocated water share of upstream States, particularly Telangana. The statement comes amid objections by Telangana that the project violates the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Polavaram Project:

1. Location and Context

Built on the Godavari River near Polavaram, located in West Godavari and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
It is classified as a multi-purpose irrigation and flood control project.
The project has been accorded the status of a National Project by the Central Government.

2. Major Objectives

Irrigation: To create a gross irrigation potential of 4,36,825 hectares.
Hydropower Generation: To generate 960 MW of hydroelectric power.
Drinking Water Supply: To supply water to 5 lakh people in 611 villages.
Inter-basin Water Transfer: Diversion of 80 TMC of water from the Godavari to the Krishna basin.
Flood Management: Mitigates the flood impact in the Godavari delta region.

3. Structural Specifications

Dam Span: ~2 km.
Pier Height: 54 meters.
Radial Spillway Gates: 48 gates, each 16m x 20m.
Spillway Capacity: Designed to handle 50 lakh cusecs, exceeding the discharge capacity of China's Three Gorges Dam.

4. Strategic and Environmental Importance

Strategic Role: Plays a key role in Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation infrastructure and inter-linking of rivers.
Ecological Concerns:
- Displacement of tribal populations.
- Submergence of villages and forest land.
- Potential ecological disruption in Eastern Ghats.
- Clearances: Environmental, forest, and R&R (Rehabilitation and Resettlement) clearances obtained with certain conditions.

5. Administrative and Legal Aspects

Declared as a National Project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The Polavaram Project Authority (PPA), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, oversees implementation.
Central funding covers 100% of the remaining cost from April 2014.