15 hours ago
Retired officials slam Naidu over Banakacherla project
Vijayawada: Alochanaparuka Vedika (Think Tank Forum), comprising retired officials and irrigation experts, demanded a public explanation from chief minister
on his support for the controversial ₹1 lakh crore Banakacherla project. They allege it was originally conceptualised by former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and former AP CM
in coordination with contractor Megha Krishna Reddy.
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Leading the charge, retired DGP AB Venkateswara Rao questioned why Naidu was showing interest in a project that, according to him, was designed not for the benefit of farmers, but for enriching contractors. "If Jagan opposed Pattiseema, why is he silent on this massive Banakacherla project now? This is Jagan's brainchild, revived through political-companies' nexus," he said, demanding the release of project minutes and a public debate on its feasibility.
Irrigation experts warned that the proposed diversion of Godavari waters through the Krishna basin to the Penna basin could lead to Andhra Pradesh losing its existing rights over 200 TMC of Krishna water. They also criticised the staggering maintenance costs—estimated at ₹50,000 per acre annually—and predicted massive debts for future generations.
Expert Lakshmi Narayana noted that Rayalaseema's projects could lose their legal standing if water from Godavari continues to be bartered.
"Even if the Polavaram canal is expanded, flooding risks in Vijayawada will increase," he added.
The forum urged that instead of the expensive lift-based Banakacherla route, a gravity-based Polavaram–Penna link via Bollapalli and Nuzvidu would be a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. They cautioned that the repeated diversion of Godavari water would weaken AP's claim on Krishna water, especially with Telangana now seeking a 500 TMC share.
Calling for transparency, they demanded a re-evaluation of the Banakacherla plan in light of long-term water security, regional equity, and environmental stability.
