Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Calls for Polavaram Threat Analysis by IIT Hyderabad

The Telangana government has expressed concerns over the potential impact of the Polavaram project, currently under construction in Andhra Pradesh, on its territories. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to commission a detailed study with a team from IIT Hyderabad to assess the risks posed by the project, particularly to areas in Telangana, including the historic Bhadrachalam temple.

Revanth Reddy instructed the officials to ensure that a comprehensive report on the matter is prepared within a month. To facilitate the study, the Chief Minister also ordered the appointment of a special officer to coordinate with the IIT Hyderabad team.

The IIT Hyderabad team is expected to analyze potential threats to Bhadrachalam, especially in light of the severe floods witnessed in 2022. Officials informed the Chief Minister that during the 2022 flood season, Bhadrachalam experienced submersion due to a flood discharge of 27 lakh cusecs. This has heightened concerns over the possible recurrence of such events with the completion of the Polavaram project.

Additionally, officials raised the issue of the Godavari-Banakacharla mega project initiated by Andhra Pradesh. They informed the Chief Minister that the project, intended to divert floodwaters, has not yet received the necessary approvals. Revanth Reddy directed them to formally communicate Telangana’s objections to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary.

The Telangana government’s move comes amid growing worries about inter-state water disputes and the long-term impact of large-scale irrigation projects undertaken without proper consultations.