Polavaram Impact: Telangana Demands Urgent Joint Survey

OV Ramesh Babu has formally requested the Polavaram Project Authority to initiate a joint survey to assess the impact of the Polavaram project.

In a letter addressed to the authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Babu referred to agreements reached during technical meetings chaired by the Central Water Commission. The agreements call for a comprehensive study of submergence areas under full reservoir level (FRL) conditions, with a specific focus on drainage congestion in the Kinnerasani and Murreduvagu rivulets, in line with directions issued by the National Green Tribunal in 2019.

The proposed survey will examine drainage issues across seven major streams flowing into the Godavari River and verify key water levels in Bhadrachalam, including areas around the historic temple and the Manuguru Heavy Water Plant.

According to discussions held in 2025, the project will be implemented in two phases — Phase I maintaining a pondage level of 41.15 metres, corresponding to the minimum draw down level, and Phase II reaching 45.72 metres at full reservoir level. Telangana has urged that immediate measures be taken to address submergence and water stagnation issues as the river reaches the Phase I pondage level.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.