11-07-2025
PBLP needs revision of Polavaram project DPR as it changes scope: GRMB to CWC
HYDERABAD
The Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) has observed that the diversion of an additional 200 tmc ft water from Polavaram Project planned by Andhra Pradesh through the proposed Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) will change the scope of the project (Polavaram) and it requires the revision of the detailed project report of the Polavaram dam.
In its observations on the pre-feasibility report (PFR) sent to the Central Water Commission, the river board noted that the DPR of Polavaram project was approved by the Advisory Committee of the Department of Water Resources on January 20, 2009 and the changes planned now needs to be placed before the same for approval again.
'The diversion of 2 tmc ft water per day from Polavaram dam may lead to modification of the operation schedule of Polavaram project as per the agreement of April 2, 1980 between the erstwhile States of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Any change in the operational schedule shall be made only after consultation with the three erstwhile States', the GRMB said in its communication sent to the CWC.
With regard to diversion of Godavari waters to the Krishna Basin, the river board stated that it was agreed by the States that if the diversion at 75% dependability exceeds the quantity of 80 tmc ft due to the diversion of Godavari water from Polavaram to the Krishna Basin, such excess quantity shall also be shared among the upper riparian States — erstwhile A.P. (Telangana), Karnataka and Maharashtra in the same proportion as 80 tmc ft is shared among them.
Further, it suggested that the CWC may take care of the provisions of GWDT and KWDT Awards which refer to the river augmentation of Krishna with diversion of water from any other river and the State (A.P.) needs to clarify whether the proposed project (PBLP) will utilised surplus water or flood water of Godavari.
The river board noted that the AP Reorganisation Act stipulates regulation of river water to the successor States having regard to awards of the tribunals. In case GWDT did not quantify the water availability in Godavari Basin and apportioned among the basin States, agreements between the co-basin States were made part of it. Thus, 'there is no apportionment of Godavari water allocated to erstwhile A.P. between the successor States by any tribunal nor any mutual agreement between them and CWC may take note of it'.
The PFR mentioned that the cost estimate of the project does not include the cost of creation of infrastructure for the new ayacut of 3 lakh hectares (7,41,315 acres). But the DPR shall include all components while arriving at the total cost of the project. The river board also urged the CWC to ensure the committed utilisations of existing, ongoing and contemplated projects of both the States (Telangana, A.P.).
