Hans News Service Hyderabad

ThePolavaram Project Authority (PPA), under the Central Government, has formally responded to the representation submitted by BRSLP Deputy Leader T Harish Rao stating that they would be storing water at 41.15 metres during the first phase.

In an official communication, the PPA acknowledged the gravity of the concerns raised on behalf of the residents of Telangana and assured that the issues pertaining to backwater impacts are receiving top priority and due administrative attention. The PPA has responded to Harish Rao’s letter regarding the critical need to protect upstream habitations in Telangana from the submergence and backwater effects of the ongoing Polavaram project.

Significantly, the PPA has reiterated the landmark assurance given during the inter-state meeting held on April 8, 2025. Presided over by the Chief Executive Officer of the PPA and attended by senior officials from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the meeting concluded with a clear assurance that all areas in Telangana likely to be affected up to the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of the Polavaram project will either be fully protected through robust engineering safeguards or acquired in accordance with the applicable Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) provisions.

Furthermore, the authority stated that comprehensive scientific assessments, flood-mitigation strategies, and protective interventions would be thoroughly evaluated and implemented.

These measures were aimed at preventing any adverse impact on the lives, livelihoods, agricultural lands, and interests of the people residing in the Godavari basin region of Telangana.

The PPA also acknowledged and appreciated the persistent efforts made to bring the concerns of vulnerable communities to the attention of the authorities concerned.

Reacting to the communication, Harish Rao said that the response from the Polavaram Project Authority validates the long-standing concerns raised by Telangana regarding the safety of upstream villages and the potential backwater impacts of the project.

He noted that the formal assurance given by the Union Government’s statutory authority is a significant step towards safeguarding the interests of the affected people.

Rao expressed hope that the assurances now placed on record by the PPA would be implemented in both letter and spirit. He urged the authority, the Central Government, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh to ensure the timely execution of all promised flood-mitigation, protection, rehabilitation, and resettlement measures so that no village, farmer, agricultural land, livelihood, or family in Telangana suffers due to the execution of the Polavaram Project.