Hyderabad: BRS MLA and former minister T. Harish Rao urged the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) to take immediate steps to address the Polavaram backwaters threat and protect Bhadrachalam and other vulnerable regions in Telangana.
In a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the PPA, Harish Rao highlighted concerns over the potential impact of Polavaram Project backwaters on flood-prone areas.
BRS leaders from Pinapaka and Bhadrachalam constituencies personally submitted the letter to PPA officials during their visit to Bhadrachalam.
Harish Rao said the Full Reservoir Level of the Polavaram Project stands at 45.72 metres, which matches the first flood warning level at Bhadrachalam.
Polavaram backwaters threat could worsen flooding
The former minister warned that Bhadrachalam could face a permanent flood threat after the project becomes fully operational.
He said the Godavari riverbed level at Bhadrachalam is about 26 metres. However, backwater effects could keep water levels between 13.15 metres and 17.72 metres above the riverbed for extended periods.
Referring to the 2022 floods, Harish Rao said backwater effects increased significantly after completion of the Polavaram coffer dam.
According to him, nearly 40 per cent of Bhadrachalam town submerged during those floods, affecting more than one lakh people.
Furthermore, he cautioned that future floods could cause greater damage if flows ranging from 36 lakh to 50 lakh cusecs move through the Godavari as envisaged in the project design.
Polavaram backwaters threat extends to industries
Harish Rao said the threat extends beyond villages and residential areas.
He stated that major industrial units, including ITC Paperboards, the Heavy Water Plant and the Dummugudem Hydel Project, could also face flooding risks.
According to him, these establishments support the livelihoods of nearly 5,000 families.
The BRS leader cited studies by IIT and WAPCOS that reportedly indicated that around 184 square kilometres across 36 villages could face backwater impacts.
Moreover, he demanded compensation and comprehensive rehabilitation for nearly 2,000 families affected by recurring floods.
Polavaram backwaters threat requires urgent safeguards
Harish Rao also raised concerns over the vulnerability of eight outfall regulators linked to Bhadrachalam’s drainage system.
Therefore, he called for the immediate construction of pumping stations and treatment plants to improve floodwater discharge into the Godavari.
He further sought the construction of embankments extending about five kilometres around Bhadrachalam town.
In addition, he demanded protective flood walls for vulnerable villages such as Burgampahad and Sarapaka.
Harish Rao urged the PPA to provide adequate compensation, implement flood protection measures and establish a dedicated division office in Bhadrachalam to monitor rehabilitation and flood management activities.
Protection from Submergence in Telangana due to Polavaram Project Reservoir and Backwater Effects. @BRSparty have urged the Polavaram Project Authority to immediately provide compensation, rehabilitation, flood protection infrastructure, and establish a dedicated PPA office in… pic.twitter.com/UtPA5DSQLb
— Harish Rao Thanneeru (@BRSHarish) June 4, 2026