Environmental Concerns Stall Naidu's ₹81,900 Cr Godavari Project.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's ambitious ₹81,900 crore Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP), designed to channel Godavari floodwaters to the state's arid regions, has encountered a significant hurdle with the Union Environment Ministry. The project, already facing strong opposition from neighboring Telangana, has been "returned" by the ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for environmental clearance.

During a meeting on June 17, 2025, the EAC cited "several representations" alleging that the PBLP may violate the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award, 1980. Consequently, the committee has directed the Andhra Pradesh government to first consult the Central Water Commission (CWC) on the "inter-state" matter before resubmitting its proposal to the EAC.

Adding to the complexities, the EAC also noted the PBLP's linkage with the Indira Sagar Polavaram Multipurpose Project. While the latter received environmental clearance way back on January 25, 2005, it remains sub judice due to ongoing submergence-related issues in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. In light of these concerns, the EAC has recommended that the Andhra Pradesh government "comprehensively assess the availability of floodwaters in consultation with the CWC."

"Several representations have been received via email, alleging that the proposed scheme may be in violation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award, 1980," the EAC minutes recorded. "In view of this, it is imperative that the PP should approach CWC for examining the inter-state issues and granting necessary clearance/permission before submitting the proposal for framing the TOR for conducting EIA study. The EAC decided to return the proposal on the above lines."

The PBLP, first reported by ET, is a flagship initiative of the Naidu government, with the Chief Minister personally overseeing review meetings to expedite environmental clearances. The state has set aggressive targets, aiming to commence construction by March 2026 and complete the project by May 2029, and has been rapidly advancing pre-construction requirements.

The Andhra Pradesh government had prepared its mandatory pre-feasibility report and submitted its proposal to the EAC by June 5, 2025, for consideration at the recent June 17 meeting. However, the project has significantly escalated tensions with Telangana, which views the project with considerable apprehension.