EAC returns Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project, seeks Godavari tribunal clarity
Hyderabad: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has sent back the Terms of Reference request for Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project, asking for clarity on Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal provisions and inter-state water-sharing.
The EAC’s 33rd meeting, chaired by Prof. G. J. Chakrapani, reviewed the state’s submission seeking fresh ToR for the massive inter-basin transfer scheme. Andhra Pradesh proposed to divert surplus floodwaters from Polavaram Dam to Banakacherla Regulator on the Srisailam Right Main Canal, using a network of tunnels, canals, lift systems, and pipelines.
Consultants SV Enviro Labs presented the plan to supply drinking water to 80 lakh people, irrigate a new ayacut of 3 lakh hectares, stabilise 9.14 lakh hectares of existing ayacut, and provide industrial water to the tune of 20 TMC. Hydropower generation of 400 MW is also included through two powerhouses.
The project would cross eight districts East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Palnadu, Prakasam, and Nandyala with a cost estimate of ₹81,900 crore at 2025–26 prices. Around 24,064 hectares, including 7,179 hectares of forest land, fall within the plan, with submergence areas at Bollapalli reservoir and other spots.
A key feature is a 19.5 km tunnel and a 6.6 km conventional tunnel through the Nallamala hills, passing the Nagarjuna Sagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve. The EAC marked this as ecologically sensitive and directed the proponent to explore less disruptive alternatives.
The project intends to divert 5663 Mcum (200 TMC) of floodwaters at 656 cumec per day, assuming 90–120 days of surplus water. The EAC noted representations warning that the plan could breach Godavari tribunal conditions.
The panel asked the Andhra Pradesh government to get the Central Water Commission’s assessment of water availability and inter-state aspects before resubmitting.
The proposal stands returned pending compliance on legal, environmental, and technical issues.