Banakacherla Project
The Banakacherla project, aimed at linking the Godavari and Krishna river basins, has reignited water sharing tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2025. Andhra Pradesh seeks to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone Rayalaseema, while Telangana alleges violations of inter-state water agreements. The project faces environmental, legal, and interstate challenges.
Banakacherla Project
The Banakacherla project plans to transfer Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna basin. It involves enhancing canals, reservoirs, and lift irrigation schemes. Water will be diverted from the Polavaram Dam to the Krishna river at Vijayawada, then pumped through canals and tunnels under the Nallamala forests to Banakacherla reservoir. The project aims to benefit Rayalaseema’s Kadapa and Kurnool regions. Estimated costs exceed ₹80,000 crore, requiring over 40,000 acres of land, including forests.
Water Allocation and Legal Context
Post-bifurcation agreements and tribunal awards govern water sharing. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal allocated 2130 tmc ft among Andhra, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Andhra and Telangana later agreed on Krishna water shares post-bifurcation. The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal allocated 1486 tmc ft to undivided Andhra Pradesh, with 80 tmc ft to be diverted from Polavaram to Krishna. Andhra claims the Banakacherla project uses only surplus Godavari waters flowing unused into the sea, complying with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Telangana’s Opposition and Concerns
Telangana contends the project breaches the Reorganisation Act and threatens its water security. It argues the Godavari water allocation does not include surplus waters and accuses Andhra of proceeding without proper clearances or impact assessments. Telangana demands transparency and adherence to legal frameworks before project implementation.
Environmental and Ecological Impacts
Experts warn the project could disrupt natural river flows, reducing freshwater to downstream deltas. This may increase salinity intrusion, harm agriculture, fisheries, and mangroves, and reduce soil fertility. Tunnelling under the Nallamala forests risks damaging wildlife habitats, threatening endangered species, and affecting indigenous communities. Alternative water management methods like groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting remain underutilised.
Current Status and Regulatory Response
Recently, the Central Environmental Expert Committee denied environmental clearance for the project. It cited environmental, legal, and interstate water-sharing concerns. The committee recommended further studies, consultation with the Central Water Commission, and adherence to the 1980 Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal verdict. Andhra Pradesh must revise its proposal for reconsideration.
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