Centre’s green panel reviews Banakacherla project amid Telangana objections

The Central Environmental Expert Assessment Committee (EAC) on Tuesday conducted a crucial review of the Polavaram- Banakacherla Project, examining proposals submitted by the Andhra Pradesh government for environmental clearance. The committee, chaired by professor Chakrapani, held its meeting virtually from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The meeting marks a significant step in the clearance process for the ambitious Godavari-to-Krishna water diversion project, as the EAC’s recommendations will influence whether the project receives final approval. Given the scale and inter-basin nature of the proposed water transfer, the AP government is treating the meeting with high priority.

As part of the review, the committee is assessing the environmental impact of the Banakacherla project, which is being developed in multiple phases and aims to utilise surplus Godavari floodwater through existing and new infrastructure.

However, the process has met with strong resistance from Telangana. Irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has written to the EAC, urging the panel to reject the project. In his letter, Uttam alleged that the Andhra Pradesh government is moving ahead without due permissions and without informing Telangana, in violation of interstate water protocols. He further objected to what he called an unauthorised attempt to merge Godavari water with the Krishna basin, claiming it would compromise Telangana’s water rights. "No clearance should be granted to such a project that threatens our State’s rightful share," the minister stated.

The EAC is also expected to review how Telangana's objections weigh against Andhra Pradesh's proposals. The outcome of today’s meeting will likely influence the Centre’s final stance on the project, and a formal report from the EAC will be submitted in the coming days.