Hyderabad, the Minister of Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies of Telangana, has written a letter to the Central Environment Minister requesting the rejection of the proposal for Terms of Reference (TOR) requested by Andhra Pradesh for the revised Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP). He alleged that the actions of the Andhra Pradesh government demonstrate a consistent violation of environmental clearances and tribunal allocations.
On Monday, the minister wrote in his letter that Andhra Pradesh has significantly expanded the scope of several components of the PIP under the permissions granted by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal and the Technical Advisory Committee. The AP government has made extensive modifications without obtaining new approvals. AP has continued work despite objections raised not only by Telangana but also by Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
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After being granted the status of a national project by the Government of India, the Polavaram project is only receiving reimbursement for expenditures for components approved under the original scope, but the AP government has made major modifications to the infrastructure. He warned that the AP government has gone far beyond the approved project parameters. Arbitrary changes
About: Polavaram Irrigation Project
The Polavaram Irrigation Project, located on the Godavari River in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is a multi-purpose irrigation venture. Initiated in 2004, it aims to provide irrigation benefits, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply, addressing the needs of several districts within the state. This ambitious project, also part of the river linking project that connects the Krishna and Godavari rivers, is designed to significantly boost the agricultural economy by irrigating over 7.2 lakh acres and providing a reliable water source for over 28 lakh people.
About: Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal
The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) was established by the Government of India in 1969 under the Interstate River Water Disputes Act of 1956 to adjudicate disputes relating to the waters of the Godavari River, one of India’s largest and most significant rivers. The Tribunal aimed to resolve conflicts among the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha, which all share the river’s basin. After extensive hearings and investigations, the GWDT issued its final award in 1980, which allocated the waters of the Godavari River among the basin states and provided mechanisms for resolving future disputes.
About: Technical Advisory Committee
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is a group typically formed by organizations or governmental bodies to provide expert advice on specific technical matters. These committees are comprised of specialists in relevant fields who guide decision-making processes, ensure adherence to standards, and help in the development and implementation of projects. The history and specific role of a TAC can vary widely depending on the context in which it is formed, ranging from urban planning to technological development and policy making.
