The water from the Godavari river, the largest peninsular river system in India, is scheduled to be released into the irrigation canals of East and West Godavari districts. The date has been set for the 15th of April 2021, which is a delay from the initial deadline of the 31st of March 2021. This release is in line with the ongoing Polavaram irrigation project, whose work on the cofferdam is due to commence in April.
Overview of the Godavari River System
Often referred to as the Dakshin Ganga, the Godavari river originates from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in Maharashtra. It spans a length of approximately 1465 km before it leads into the Bay of Bengal. The drainage basin of the Godavari extends over several states including Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, along with smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and the Union territory of Puducherry.
Tributaries of the Godavari River
The Godavari river boasts a number of tributaries, namely Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, Pranhita (formed by the confluence of Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), Indravati, Maner and the Sabri.
Cultural Significance of the Godavari River
Apart from its geographical importance, the Godavari river holds significant cultural symbolism. One of the major religious gatherings in India, the Kumbh Mela, takes place on its banks in Nashik. Other locations of the Kumbh Mela include the Shipra river in Ujjain, the Ganges in Haridwar and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers in Prayag.
The Godavari River Dispute
The sharing of the Godavari river water has often been a topic of contention among several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Karnataka.
Important Projects on the Godavari River
Major projects undertaken on the Godavari river include the Polavaram Irrigation Project, Kaleshwaram Project and Sadarmatt Anicut, the latter of which is listed in the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Register of Heritage Irrigation Structures. The Inchampalli project and Sriram Sagar Project (SRSP) are equally noteworthy initiatives, aimed at improving irrigation and providing hydroelectric power.
Polavaram Irrigation Project
Located near the village of Polavaram in Andhra Pradesh, the Polavaram Project aims to provide multiple benefits such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply. Declared as a national project by the union government in 2014, the initiative also promises inter-basin transfer to the Krishna river basin and indirect benefits like pisciculture development, tourism and urbanisation.
About Cofferdam
A cofferdam is a temporary barrier built in or around a body of water to allow de-watering, diversion or damming within an enclosed area. Primarily designed to hold back overwhelming waters and create a dry work environment, cofferdams facilitate various projects by ensuring reduced resistance and enhanced safety.
