PPA assures protection for Telangana villages affected by Polavaram backwaters
Hyderabad: The Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) assured complete Polavaram backwater protection for Telangana villages likely to face submergence and backwater impacts from the Polavaram Project.
The assurance came in response to concerns raised by former Irrigation Minister and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao regarding the safety of villages located upstream of the project.
In an official communication, the PPA stated that all affected habitations in Telangana up to the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) would receive protection through engineering measures. Alternatively, authorities would acquire affected areas under Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) provisions. The Authority said it was treating issues related to backwater impacts as a priority and was giving them full administrative attention.
Polavaram backwater protection to include engineering measures
The PPA reiterated commitments made during an inter-state meeting held on April 8, 2025, involving officials from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. According to the Authority, scientific assessments will guide mitigation efforts. In addition, officials will implement flood-management plans and protective interventions to minimise risks.
The measures aim to protect villages, agricultural lands and livelihoods in the Godavari basin from adverse backwater effects. Furthermore, the Authority said the planned interventions would address concerns related to flooding and potential displacement in vulnerable areas.
Polavaram backwater protection welcomed by Harish Rao
Welcoming the communication, Harish Rao said the assurance validated Telangana’s long-standing concerns about village safety and backwater impacts. He described the response from the Government of India’s statutory authority as a significant step towards protecting affected communities. Moreover, he urged the PPA, the Central government and the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure timely implementation of all commitments.
Harish Rao stressed that authorities should complete protection, rehabilitation and resettlement measures without delay. He said no family or village should suffer because of the project. The BRS leader also called for continuous monitoring to ensure that the promised safeguards reach all affected areas.