Telangana Opposes Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Project

Background of the Dispute

Tensions have escalated between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (AP) as the Telangana government, led by A. Revanth Reddy, formally opposed AP’s Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Project (PNSP). The core of the dispute revolves around allegations from Telangana that AP is attempting to misappropriate its share of water from the Godavari river.

Legal Proceedings in the Supreme Court

In a recent Supreme Court hearing, Telangana’s representatives, including senior advocate A. M. Singhvi, pleaded for a stay on the tendering process for the detailed project report (DPR) related to the PNSP. Singhvi highlighted that the Union government had formed a high-powered committee, chaired by the head of the Central Water Commission, advising AP against proceeding with the project.

Judicial Inquiry into Water Allocation

The Supreme Court bench, which included Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, raised questions regarding the maintainability of Telangana’s writ petition. The court pointed out that the issue centers on the allocation of Godavari river water, which also involves Karnataka and Maharashtra. The judges asked Singhvi to consider whether Telangana would prefer to file a suit under Article 131 of the Constitution, which would bring all three states into the legal proceedings.

Andhra Pradesh’s Defense

In response, AP’s legal team, including senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Jaideep Gupta, argued that the project had received Telangana’s consent during the reorganization of Andhra Pradesh. Rohatgi explained that the DPR aims to utilize only the excess flood water flowing through AP, positioning it as a lower riparian state.

Controversy Over Water Measurement

Singhvi countered these claims, stating that there is no reliable method to measure excess flood water. He alleged that the PNSP serves as a pretext for AP to misappropriate approximately 200 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of water that rightfully belongs to Telangana, which is in the process of constructing various barrages to utilize its allocated share of 968 tmc.

Emotional Implications for Telangana

Singhvi emphasized the emotional stakes for Telangana, asserting that the commissioning of the PNSP would substantially reduce the state’s share of Godavari water. He framed the issue as one of immense significance for the residents of Telangana, who stand to be severely impacted by the project.

AP’s Rebuttal on Drought Relief

Gupta interjected, questioning whether one state has the authority to halt an irrigation project in another state classified as a lower riparian. He further underscored that the project aims to channel water into drought-prone regions, reiterating that the preparation of the DPR was based on an approved pre-feasibility report.

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