Telangana Pushes Centre and Andhra to Act on Polavaram, Odisha Remains Ignored

Bhubaneswar: Bowing to mounting pressure from the Telangana government, the Centre and Andhra Pradesh have finally agreed to conduct a backwater survey around the Polavaram project. This survey, to be carried out by the Central Water Commission (CWC), aims to determine which areas in Telangana—especially Bhadrachalam—might face submergence due to the project.

The move follows Telangana’s strong opposition and persistent demands during a tripartite meeting between Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA). Based on this meeting, the PPA has officially recommended a survey by CWC, which will begin soon.

However, in stark contrast, no such urgency has been shown towards Odisha’s Malkangiri district, even though experts say the region will suffer significant damage from the project’s backwaters. Despite repeated demands from Odisha and a Supreme Court recommendation for a similar survey, the Centre and Andhra Pradesh have shown little interest.

Odisha’s BJP-led state government has been silent, triggering criticism from opposition parties like BJD and Congress, who accuse it of neglecting state interests. Experts have also voiced concern, questioning why Odisha hasn’t made strong claims like Telangana.

The Andhra government aims to complete the Polavaram project by March 2027. Intellectuals warn that if Odisha doesn’t act now, irreversible damage may occur—and by then, any protest may be too late.