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The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Telangana CM and Irrigation Minister seek Centre's intervention in stalling Godavari-Banakacharla project works by Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy sought the intervention of the Central Government and Jal Shakti Ministry in stalling the Godavari-Banakacharla project — proposed by Andhra Pradesh — which is detrimental to the interests of Telangana. They requested the Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to reject the Pre Feasibility Report submitted by the Andhra Pradesh Government on Godavari-Banakacharla project as it is against the interests of Telangana. The latter was committed to raise the issue in all available platforms for an amicable resolution, they told Mr. Patil informing that the State would not desist to approach the Supreme Court if the Centre did not respond positively to its request. The Chief Minister and Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy called on the Jal Shakti Minister on Thursday (June 19, 2025) and explained him about the adverse impact of the proposed project. They informed the Minister that Andhra Pradesh proposed the project in violation of the order of Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) 1980 and A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014. People of Telangana, especially farmers, were concerned about the manner in which the Union Finance and Environment Ministries behaved in respect of the Godavari-Banakacharla project, they said in the more than one hour meeting. Andhra Pradesh claimed that Banakacharla project was taken up on the flood waters of Godavari while the GWDT-1980 had ruled out scope for surplus and flood waters. The Reorganisation Act mandated that either of the two States should inform about proposed irrigation projects to the river management board, central water commission (CWC) and the Apex Council headed by the Jal Shakti Minister with Chief Ministers of the two States as members. The neighbouring State, however, set aside the norms and was going ahead with the project works. The Chief Minister and the Irrigation Minister took strong objection to claims of the neighbouring State, which ignored the prevailing norms and was claiming that the project was based on the flood waters. Andhra Pradesh was going ahead with Purushottapatnam, Venkatanagaram, Pattiseema, Chintalpudi and other lift irrigation projects under Polavaram without obtaining any clearances from the Technical Advisory Committee under the CWC. Though the Telangana government had raised several objections relating to change in the Polavaram design and the works without obtaining environmental clearances, the neighbouring State did not stop the works. Reminding that Polavaram was a national project, they urged Mr. Patil to intervene and ensure that Andhra Pradesh did not violate the set procedures. They told the Minister that if the neighbouring State was firm on flood waters in Godavari river, it could utilise the central funds for Inchampally-Nagarjunasagar link project for diversion of water to Penna basin. 'We are ready for discussion in this regard,' they said. Ensure speedy pronouncement of KWDT-II verdict Mr. Revanth Reddy and Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy requested the Union Minister to ensure that Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal – II delivers its verdict at the earliest and asserted that the government would not compromise on the interests of Telangana under any circumstances.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh CM briefs PM Modi on water projects worth Rs 49K cr in Bastar
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held a detailed meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi regarding the implementation of the multipurpose Bodhghat Dam Project and the Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project. CM Sai proposed that both initiatives be taken up as national projects, highlighting their strategic importance for the holistic development of the Bastar region. Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar, having been severely affected by Naxalite violence for decades, has lagged behind in irrigation infrastructure. To bridge this gap and boost regional development, the state government is prioritizing these two key projects. During the meeting, CM Sai emphasized the strategic importance of these projects for Bastar, which has long suffered from Naxalite violence and underdevelopment. He informed the Prime Minister that of the total 8.15 lakh hectares of cultivable land in Bastar, irrigation facilities currently cover only 1.36 lakh hectares, highlighting the urgent need for expansion. According to CM Sai, the Bodhghat Multipurpose Dam Project, proposed on the Indravati River — a major tributary of the Godavari — will be transformative for Bastar. Although the project was mentioned as far back as the 1980 award by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, it had remained unimplemented due to its remote location and security challenges. While other states have executed similar projects mentioned in the same award, Bodhghat remained unrealized — until now. Doubling the Pace of Development in Bastar Officials told TOI that Bodhghat project is expected to significantly expand irrigation facilities and catalyze Bastar's overall development. It will facilitate irrigation across 3.78 lakh hectares in the Kharif and Rabi seasons, generate 125 MW of hydroelectric power, ensure 49 million cubic meters of drinking water, and support an annual fish production of 4,824 metric tonnes — thereby creating multiple livelihood opportunities. The Indravati-Mahanadi Interlinking Project will enable irrigation across more than 3 lakh hectares of land, including 50,000 hectares in Kanker district alone. Combined, both projects are expected to bring irrigation to approximately 7 lakh hectares of farmland across the Bastar division — a game-changer for agriculture, water security, and employment in the region. The Bodhghat Dam is proposed on the Indravati River, which flows for 264 km within Chhattisgarh. The dam site is located about 8 km from Barsur village in Geedam block of Dantewada district and around 100 km from Jagdalpur city. Officials told TOI, the total estimated cost for both projects is Rs 49,000 crore — Rs 29,000 crore for Bodhghat Dam and Rs 20,000 crore for Indravati-Mahanadi link. The plan includes civil irrigation works and hydroelectric power infrastructure. The dam will have a usable water storage capacity of 2009 million cubic meters and a total capacity of 2727 million cubic meters, with a full reservoir area of 10,440 hectares. Bodhghat Dam Project will directly benefit 269 villages in Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts. Meanwhile, the Indravati-Mahanadi project will expand irrigation facilities to several villages in Kanker district. Together, these projects aim to build a stronger, self-reliant, and prosperous Bastar. Prime Minister Modi gave the proposals a serious hearing and assured consideration.
