Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has issued a stark warning regarding the Polavaram project, stating that massive inflows could submerge villages in the Godavari Basin up to rooftop levels.

  • Severe flood risk identified due to Polavaram project backwaters.
  • Potential submersion of villages in the Godavari Basin up to rooftop levels.
  • Call for urgent Central Government review of the project design.

Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has sounded a major alarm regarding the imminent flood risks posed by the Polavaram project. He warned that the backwaters resulting from the project could lead to the catastrophic submersion of several villages and residential structures along the Godavari Basin, potentially reaching rooftop levels during peak inflows.

The Minister highlighted a critical flaw in the current basin management, noting a significant lack of free water flow. He emphasized that if inflows reach the staggering levels of 20 to 30 lakh cusecs, the resulting damage would be unprecedented, leading to massive displacement of local residents and total destruction of property.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the Polavaram project, while intended for irrigation and power, presents a complex hydro-geological challenge. The inability to manage sudden high-volume inflows could turn a developmental asset into a regional humanitarian disaster, affecting interstate relations and local ecology.

The lack of efficient drainage in the basin could transform seasonal monsoons into life-threatening inundation events.

Minister Reddy specifically pointed to areas like Bhadrachalam, which have historically faced recurring threats during the monsoon season. He has formally urged the Central Government and all stakeholder states to pause and conduct a fresh, comprehensive review of the project's impact on these vulnerable zones.

Historically, large-scale dam projects in India have often faced criticism for inadequate resettlement plans and unforeseen hydrological impacts. The Polavaram controversy adds a new layer of urgency to the ongoing debate over sustainable river management and disaster preparedness in South India.

Did You Know?: The Godavari River is the second-longest river in India, playing a vital role in the economy of several southern states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the primary concern raised by the Telangana Minister?
Answer: The main concern is that the Polavaram project lacks adequate water flow management, which could submerge villages up to their roofs.

Question 2: Which specific area is mentioned as being at risk?
Answer: Bhadrachalam and other villages along the Godavari Basin are identified as high-risk areas.