Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has asked the Centre to reject Andhra Pradesh’s request for terms of reference (ToR) for its modified Polavaram project, saying it violates approved limits and lacks legal clearances.
In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, he said Andhra Pradesh had gone ahead with major changes to the project without securing fresh approvals.
He cited alterations in both Godavari and Krishna basins, accusing the state of bypassing the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal and Technical Advisory Committee guidelines.
Reddy said the original 2005 environmental clearance had not covered the changes Andhra later made. The Centre’s 2011 stop work order remains in place but was kept in abeyance, allowing work to continue.
He pointed to expanded tunnel works, drawal capacity doubled to 40,000 cusecs, and canal construction beyond sanctioned limits. The Right Main Canal is being built for 17,560 cusecs instead of 11,654; the Left Canal for 17,560 cusecs against an approved 8,123.
The Minister said the redesign of project components amounted to a separate project and needed a full reappraisal.
He also cited a 2022 Supreme Court observation that further reports and environmental scrutiny may be necessary for project expansion.
Reddy urged the Ministry not to table the revised proposal at the next Expert Appraisal Committee meet.
Copies of his letter were sent to Jal Shakti Ministry, Central Water Commission, Polavaram Project Authority and Telangana’s Engineer-in-Chief.