Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar project will not harm Telangana: Nimmala

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Monday reiterated that the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar link project proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government would not cause any loss to any State, particularly Telangana, and appealed for cooperation instead of controversy.

Responding after Telangana withdrew its petition in the Supreme Court following observations by the Chief Justice of India, the Minister said the Andhra Pradesh government had consistently maintained that the project was conceived solely for the optimal utilisation of surplus Godavari waters and did not pose any threat to either downstream or upstream interests.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s disposal of objections raised by Telangana, Mr. Ramanaidu said both Telugu States should prosper together and underlined that Andhra Pradesh had always stood for harmony and mutual development. He explained that of the nearly 3,000 TMC of Godavari water flowing wastefully into the sea every year, Andhra Pradesh was seeking to utilise only about 200 TMC, and urged Telangana to dispel misconceptions and extend cooperation.

The Minister recalled that over the last 50 years, nearly 1,53,000 TMC of floodwaters from the Godavari had gone waste into the sea, and expressed concern over the continued loss of such a valuable natural resource. He noted that even during the current year, around 4,600 TMC of water had flowed unused into the sea.

Drawing a comparison, Mr. Ramanaidu said that just as permission was granted for the Kaleshwaram project upstream after State bifurcation, similar approval should be accorded to the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar project downstream. He asserted that Andhra Pradesh’s request was reasonable, justified and in accordance with principles of natural justice.

“If floodwaters at Polavaram are utilised, they will benefit Andhra Pradesh. Otherwise, they simply merge into the sea. In such a situation, there is absolutely no question of any loss to Telangana,” he said.

The Minister also recalled that when Telangana undertook the construction of the Kaleshwaram project after bifurcation, citing the availability of abundant Godavari water, Andhra Pradesh had not objected and had instead extended full cooperation. He expressed confidence that once the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar project is completed, after meeting Andhra Pradesh’s requirements, it would also prove beneficial to Telangana.

Reiterating the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Mr. Ramanaidu said both Telugu States should move forward in a spirit of brotherhood, cooperation and shared progress.