The state of Andhra Pradesh is facing criticism for creating obstacles in the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy lift-irrigation scheme by filing court cases and seeking intervention from the Centre to stop it. Now, it is also causing delays in conducting a joint survey of submergence areas in Telangana at Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of the Polavaram dam.
Despite being directed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) to coordinate with Telangana to complete the survey, Andhra Pradesh is intentionally delaying the process on flimsy grounds. The joint survey was agreed upon by both states as per the directions of the Supreme Court, with both giving consent for issues pertaining to Telangana. However, Andhra Pradesh is not cooperating and is using various tactics to delay the process. This delay is causing frustration for Telangana as the survey needs to be conducted before the onset of the monsoon.
Telangana is insisting on a fresh study on the impact of the Polavaram backwaters because floods last July affected 28,000 inhabitants, 11,000 families, and 103 villages in the Khammam district. Despite this, Andhra Pradesh is not cooperating, causing delays in the survey and frustrating Telangana’s government. It is essential that Andhra Pradesh cooperates with Telangana to complete the survey as directed by the CWC and PPA and agreed upon by both states.
