Godavari board excluded from Godavari-Cauvery-Telangana Today link project

Despite the decisive role given to the Godavari Board in managing the river’s resources, it has not been involved at all in the decision-making process so far.

Hyderabad: The Godavari River Authority has expressed concern over being sidelined in the process Godavari-Cauvery connecting the project. The project to transfer surplus water from the Godavari river to the Cauvery river has been the subject of dispute between the states involved.

Despite the decisive role Godavari Board entrusted with the task of managing the river’s resources, has not been involved in the decision-making process at all so far. This exclusion raised questions about the transparency and inclusive nature of project planning and implementation.

The Board has already taken up the issue with the Ministry of Jal Shakti by writing to the Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga’s rejuvenation. The board has to determine the feasibility of implementing the Godavari-Cauvery link project.

The project envisages diversion of 247 billion cubic feet (tmc) of unused water from the Indravati watershed in Godavari basinparticipation in this Chhattisgarh also. The council has a clear mandate, with both Telugu states coming up with new projects to ensure optimal use of their water share.

The Godavari-Cauvery link project involves the construction of canal and reservoir systems to drain water from Telangana to Tamil Nadu. Telangana has expressed reservations over the project, especially regarding the construction of the Incampalli reservoir, which is seen as an alternative to the Medigadda barrage on Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (CLIP).

The state fears that the project may hamper its ability to fully utilize its Godavari water entitlements. Telangana is in favor of including the Godavari Board in discussions on the project to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in the decision-making process. The state stressed the importance of joint efforts to address water sharing issues.

Andhra Pradesh position of Prime Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu was a strong supporter of the river connection project. He envisions them connecting rivers to provide irrigation facilities to every acre of land in the state.

Naidu’s ambition is to connect the Godavari and Krishna rivers to reach Nagarjuna Sagar and Bollapalli, which will ultimately benefit the drought-prone Rayalaseema region.

TDP MP Lavu Krishnadevarayalu recently said that the Center government has given a green signal for river linking, which will be crucial to quench Rayalaseema’s thirst. In this context, the Center plans to initiate fresh discussions with Telangana and other states to revive the ambitious river linking project.

Despite opposition from TelanganaThe Center is committed to continuing the project, emphasizing the need for cooperation and consensus among the countries involved.