The Union Government has made a significant clarification regarding ambitious river-linking projects in Andhra Pradesh, stating that no such project, except for the Polavaram irrigation project, has progressed to the implementation stage. This statement was provided by Union Jal Shakti Minister, CR Patil, in response to a parliamentary query.
Polavaram: The Sole Project Underway with Central Backing
Minister Patil informed the Lok Sabha that the Polavaram irrigation project, which also functions as the Godavari (Polavaram)-Krishna (Vijayawada) link project, is the only one being actively executed. He emphasized that the project is being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh government with substantial and sustained financial support from the Centre.
An amount of ₹15,146 crore was reimbursed to the state between 2014 and 2024, Patil stated. Furthermore, the Centre has approved a revised cost estimate of ₹30,436 crore for Polavaram, which includes an additional central assistance of ₹12,157 crore to ensure its timely completion. The cumulative financial support from the central government for Polavaram now stands at a staggering ₹20,658 crore to date.
Status of the Massive Polavaram-Banakacherla Link
In his detailed reply to a question from Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appalanaidu, the minister provided an update on the proposed Polavaram-Banakacherla link project. This project, with an estimated cost of ₹81,900 crore, aims to transfer floodwaters from the Polavaram dam to the Banakacherla regulator.
The Andhra Pradesh government submitted a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for this link to the Central Water Commission on May 22, 2022, for techno-economic appraisal. This report has since been circulated to key bodies and neighbouring states for their feedback. These include:
- Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)
- Godavari River Management Board (GRMB)
- Polavaram Project Authority (PPA)
- Co-basin states: Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh
The project remains in the consultation phase and is not yet under implementation.
National Plan and AP's Role in River Linking
Minister Patil outlined the broader national context, explaining that the Centre's National Perspective Plan (NPP) has identified 30 Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) projects to combat water scarcity. The National Water Development Agency is the implementing body for these projects.
He noted that seven ILR projects involve Andhra Pradesh. However, he categorically stated that "other than Polavaram, no ILR project under the national perspective plan involving Andhra Pradesh has reached the stage of implementation."
The Godavari-Krishna link was initially part of the NPP's peninsular component. Its Detailed Project Report was approved in 2009. Following the state's bifurcation, it was brought under the Polavaram Project Authority as a national project, as mandated by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.
This parliamentary clarification sets the record straight on the current status of river-interlinking initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting Polavaram's unique position as the only project moving forward with concrete central funding and implementation.
