Andhra shelves Polavaram-Banakacharla tender amid inter-state tensions
Water Resources department pulls DPR bid over Telangana objections; revised call likely after feasibility review.
Amaravati, November 08, 2025: The Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Department has withdrawn the tender for preparing a detailed project report on the Polavaram-Banakacharla Link Project, which seeks to channel Godavari River water into the Krishna basin for irrigation and drinking needs.
Issued on October 11, the notice was cancelled on Friday, November 7, as a temporary step pending a thorough evaluation of technical and financial details, though no explicit cause was stated. Officials hint at a fresh invitation following an updated assessment aimed at addressing ongoing disputes.
Telangana has raised sharp concerns, arguing the diversion of an extra 200 TMC of water exceeds the original Polavaram plan and breaches rulings from the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal.
The neighbouring state warns of potential flooding in its lowlands due to backwater effects. In July, the Central Expert Appraisal Committee denied environmental approval, stressing the inter-state complexities and urging a Central Water Commission study on the available Godavari surplus before any advancement.
