Centre Forms Technical Panel on Polavaram & Inter-State Water Disputes Between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

The Centre has decided to form a high-level technical panel to address Polavaram and broader inter-state water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

• A technical committee will include senior officials and technical experts from both states and the Centre.
• The panel’s mandate is to assess water-sharing disputes and suggest equitable, technically sound, and sustainable solutions.

Agreements Reached Between States

• Telemetry Devices: Both states agreed to install real-time water flow monitoring systems in the Krishna Basin to ensure transparency and efficiency.
• Dam Maintenance: Immediate steps will be taken to address maintenance issues at the Srisailam Dam to ensure its structural safety and water management efficiency.
• Board Relocation: The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) office will be relocated from Hyderabad to Vijayawada/Amaravati for administrative efficiency and neutrality.

About Polavaram Project 

• Introduction: The Polavaram Project is a major multipurpose irrigation infrastructure being constructed on the Godavari River, spanning the West and East Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh.
  • It has been granted the status of a National Project by the Central Government due to its strategic importance.
• Developed By: The project is being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Government with funding and support from the Central Government, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• • The Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) has been constituted to oversee execution and coordination.
• Key Engineering Features
  • The project consists of Earth-cum-Rock fill dam on the main river course, gated concrete spillway, left and right connectivities for carrying water from reservoir to Left Main Canal and Right Main Canal.
  • Designed to handle flood discharge of up to 50 lakh cusecs, it is expected to surpass even China’s Three Gorges Dam in discharge capacity.
  • The structure is built to withstand once-in-1000-year floods, ensuring long-term safety and stability.
• Purpose and Objectives
  • The project aims to create a gross irrigation potential of 4,36,825 hectares in Andhra Pradesh.
  • It will generate 960 MW of hydropower, enhancing the region’s energy capacity.
  • It plans to provide drinking water to 28.5 lakh people across 611 villages.
  • The project includes the diversion of 80 TMC of water to the Krishna River basin, addressing inter-basin water scarcity.
  • It will also mitigate flood risks in the Godavari basin by regulating seasonal river flow.
• Strategic Importance: The Polavaram Project is vital for water security, agriculture, flood control, and socio-economic development in Andhra Pradesh and adjoining regions.

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