Polavaram – Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP)

Current Context: Recently, the Central government decided to form a high-level technical committee within a week to address inter‑state disputes over the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project, as well as other water-sharing issues involving Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

 About the Project:

• Location: Connects the Polavaram Dam on the Godavari River to the Banakacherla Regulator in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Objective: Divert around 200 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of surplus Godavari floodwater annually to drought-prone regions like Rayalaseema via Krishna river basins.

 Issue in Dispute:

• Telangana’s concern: Opposes link fearing it violates water-sharing agreements and could affect its water security.
• Environmental review: Expert Appraisal Committee rejected the project’s draft ToR, asking Andhra Pradesh to first consult the Central Water Commission.

Legal & Administrative Mechanism:

• Statutes invoked:
  • Inter‑State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 – allows the Centre to set up water tribunals.
  • River Boards Act, 1956 – enables state-level river management boards.
  • Constitutional backing: Article 262 bars courts from intervening in tribunal matters.
  • Centre’s action: Decided to set up Godavari River Management Board (Hyderabad) and Krishna River Management Board (Amaravati) by July 21.