Harish Rao raises alarm over AP’s Godavari project, demands govt’s immediate action

Hyderabad: Senior BRS leader and former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao has written to Telangana Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, voicing serious concerns over the proposed Rs 80,000 crore Godavari–Banakacherla Link Project by the Andhra Pradesh government.

He warned that the project could severely impact Telangana’s rightful share of river waters and urged the State to take immediate legal and political steps to protect its interests.

200 TMC diversion plan raises alarms

In his detailed letter, Harish Rao pointed out that Andhra Pradesh plans to divert 200 TMC of Godavari water to the Penna basin via the Krishna basin through the multi-stage project.

The plan includes water transfer from the Polavaram Reservoir to the Prakasam Barrage, then to a proposed 150 TMC Bollapalli reservoir, and finally to the Banakacherla regulator complex.

CM Naidu seeks Central support for mega project

Barish Rao revealed that Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has already sought Central funding for the project and submitted a pre-feasibility report (PFR) to the Centre. The Centre has reportedly circulated the report to the Godavari basin states for their feedback.

Telangana urged to demand an apex council meeting

While appreciating Uttam Kumar Reddy’s recent letter to Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil opposing the project, Rao demanded stronger action. He called for convening an immediate Apex Council meeting and suggested holding an all-party meet or a special Assembly session to build consensus on the State’s response.

Violation of the Reorganisation Act, says Rao

Harish Rao argued that Andhra Pradesh’s unilateral action is a violation of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, which mandates project approvals through river boards and the Apex Council. He warned that AP might issue tenders soon, bypassing legal protocols.

Telangana’s water utilisation is still below the allocation

The former minister pointed out that while Telangana is entitled to 969 TMC of Godavari water, it currently utilises only around 600 TMC due to incomplete irrigation projects. He urged the government to expedite works on key projects such as Kaleshwaram, Sitarama and Devadula.

Opportunity to claim more Krishna Water

Rao emphasised that AP’s diversion of over 80 TMC from Polavaram to the Krishna delta allows Telangana to claim an additional 157.5 TMC of Krishna water, as per Clause 7(f) of the Godavari Tribunal award. He called for a formal claim before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.

BRS extends support, calls for United Front

Harish Rao warned that the project might be a strategic move by AP to bolster its legal claims ahead of tribunal hearings. He urged the Telangana government to act decisively and assured BRS's full cooperation. “This is not about politics — it’s about Telangana’s future,” he concluded.