Source: IE
Context: A new inter-state water conflict has emerged between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the Banakacherla reservoir project, with Telangana alleging violation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
About Banakacherla Project:
- The Banakacherla Reservoir Project is a proposed irrigation infrastructure by the Andhra Pradesh government aimed at diverting surplus Godavari River water to address drought conditions in Rayalaseema.
- Location:
- Banakacherla, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
- The project plans to channel water from the Godavari via the Krishna River system.
- States Involved: Andhra Pradesh (Project implementing state) and Telangana (Objecting state).
- Project Features:
- River Diversion Plan:
- Enhances the Polavaram Right Main Canal capacity (from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs).
- Increases Thatipudi Lift Canal capacity (from 1,400 to 10,000 cusecs).
- Constructs a reservoir at Bollapalli to lift and channel water to Banakacherla via a tunnel through Nallamala forest.
- Lift Points:
- Five major lift stations: Harischandrapuram, Lingapuram, Vyyandana, Gangireddypalem, and Nakirekallu.
- Linking Rivers:
- Connects Godavari to Krishna to Penna, aiding water transfer to Rayalaseema.
- Key Issues Raised by Telangana:
- Violation of Reorganisation Act: Telangana claims the project violates the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, which mandates prior approvals for such inter-basin projects.
- Lack of Regulatory Approvals: The project hasn’t received clearance from the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), or the Central Water Commission (CWC).
- Godavari Tribunal Allocation Ignored: Telangana was allocated 968 TMCft out of 1,486 TMCft by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, and surplus estimation hasn’t been formalized.
- Threat to Telangana Projects: Telangana fears that diversion would impact its own irrigation schemes and reservoirs dependent on Godavari water.
- River Diversion Plan:
