The Telangana government has formally approached the Chairman of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) for comprehensive information regarding the Polavaram (Godavari)-Banakacherla (Krishna) link project. This initiative has been proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government. The request follows reports published in prominent newspapers about the project presentation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Overview of the Polavaram-Banakacherla Project
The Polavaram-Banakacherla link project aims to provide drinking water to approximately 80 lakh people. It will also facilitate irrigation for over 7.41 lakh acres of new farmland. Additionally, it seeks to stabilise irrigation for 22.59 lakh acres already under cultivation. The project is expected to supply 20 tmc ft of water to meet industrial demands.
Financial Aspects
The preliminary cost of the project is estimated at ₹80,112 crore. This investment will support the diversion of Godavari river water for up to 120 days each year. The river typically experiences surplus flows for 90 to 120 days, making this project viable.
Water Storage and Management
To manage the water effectively, the project proposes the construction of transit balancing reservoirs. These reservoirs will have a capacity of approximately 150 tmc ft to 200 tmc ft. The Bollapalle hill range in Palnadu district is identified as a potential site for these reservoirs, eliminating the need for land acquisition or extensive rehabilitation measures.
Historical Context and Water Usage
Between 2010 and 2019, approximately 855.69 tmc ft of water was drawn from the Srisailam reservoir. This water was diverted through the Pothireddypadu head regulator towards the Banakacherla cross regulator. The report indicates that at a diversion rate of 2 tmc ft per day, around 243 tmc ft of water could be transported from Polavaram to Banakacherla. This flow is crucial for meeting the water needs of the Rayalaseema region.
Environmental Considerations
The project also considers environmental impacts. The use of natural landscapes for water storage is expected to mitigate the need for large-scale land acquisition. This approach aims to balance developmental needs with ecological sustainability.
Stakeholder Involvement
The Telangana government’s request for information puts stress on the importance of stakeholder engagement in large-scale water projects. Collaboration among states is essential for effective water resource management in the region.
Future Implications
The successful implementation of the Polavaram-Banakacherla project could set a precedent for similar initiatives in India. It marks the potential for inter-state cooperation in addressing water scarcity and irrigation challenges.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the implications of inter-state water disputes in India.
- Critically discuss the role of irrigation projects in enhancing agricultural productivity.
- Analyse the environmental impacts of large-scale water diversion projects in India.
- Estimate the socio-economic benefits of providing drinking water to rural populations in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the implications of inter-state water disputes in India.
- Water disputes often lead to tensions between states, affecting political relations.
- Such disputes can hinder the development of infrastructure projects and resource management.
- Legal frameworks, like the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, are often invoked to resolve conflicts.
- Disputes can result in delays in water allocation, impacting agriculture and industry.
- Collaboration and dialogue are essential for sustainable management of shared water resources.
2. Critically discuss the role of irrigation projects in enhancing agricultural productivity.
- Irrigation projects provide a reliable water supply, reducing dependency on monsoons.
- They enable multiple cropping cycles, increasing overall crop yield.
- Improved irrigation infrastructure can enhance soil fertility and reduce salinity issues.
- Access to irrigation can empower farmers, leading to better income and livelihood security.
- However, over-reliance on irrigation can lead to depletion of water resources if not managed sustainably.
3. Analyse the environmental impacts of large-scale water diversion projects in India.
- Water diversion can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting flora and fauna.
- It may lead to changes in sediment transport, impacting river morphology.
- Large reservoirs can inundate forests and agricultural land, leading to habitat loss.
- Water quality can deteriorate due to changes in flow patterns and increased pollution.
- Mitigation measures, such as environmental assessments and sustainable practices, are crucial to minimize impacts.
4. Estimate the socio-economic benefits of providing drinking water to rural populations in India.
- Access to clean drinking water reduces waterborne diseases, improving public health.
- It enhances productivity as healthier individuals can work more effectively.
- Improved water access supports educational outcomes, particularly for girls who often fetch water.
- Reliable water supply can stimulate local economies through agriculture and small enterprises.
- It encourages community development and social cohesion by reducing conflicts over water resources.
