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In 2025, the Banakacherla project — a major initiative to connect the Godavari and Krishna river basins — has sparked renewed tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Andhra Pradesh government aims to move surplus floodwater from the Godavari to the drought-hit Rayalaseema region. However, Telangana has raised serious concerns, claiming that this move violates inter-state water-sharing agreements. The project is now facing environmental, legal, and political hurdles.
📌 What is the Banakacherla Project?
The Banakacherla project is designed to divert excess water from the Godavari River (via Polavaram Dam) to the Krishna River near Vijayawada. From there, the water will be lifted and transported through a network of canals and tunnels passing under the Nallamala forests, eventually reaching the Banakacherla reservoir. The primary goal is to supply much-needed water to dry areas like Kadapa and Kurnool in Rayalaseema. With an estimated cost of over ₹80,000 crore, the project will require more than 40,000 acres of land — much of it forested.
⚖️ Water Sharing & Legal Background
Water distribution between states is governed by tribunal decisions and post-bifurcation agreements. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal has already allocated 2130 TMC feet of water among Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. After the state split, Andhra and Telangana agreed on their respective Krishna water shares. As for the Godavari, the tribunal allocated 1486 TMC feet to the united Andhra Pradesh, including a provision to divert 80 TMC feet from Polavaram to the Krishna basin.
Andhra Pradesh argues that the Banakacherla project only uses surplus floodwater from the Godavari that would otherwise flow into the sea — and is therefore within the legal framework set by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
🚫 Telangana’s Objections
Telangana strongly disagrees. The state claims the project violates the Reorganisation Act and puts its own water needs at risk. Telangana asserts that surplus Godavari water wasn’t part of any agreement and accuses Andhra of starting work without proper permissions or environmental assessments. Telangana is calling for full transparency and legal compliance before the project can move forward.
🌿 Environmental Concerns
Experts warn that the project could harm the environment in several ways. Diverting river water may reduce the natural freshwater flow to downstream deltas, leading to increased salinity, reduced soil fertility, and damage to agriculture and fisheries. The tunnelling under the Nallamala forests also poses risks to wildlife and indigenous communities. Conservationists stress that sustainable alternatives like groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting are being overlooked.
📍 Current Status
The Central Environmental Expert Committee has recently denied environmental clearance for the Banakacherla project. Citing legal, ecological, and inter-state issues, the panel has recommended that Andhra Pradesh conduct detailed studies, consult the Central Water Commission, and ensure compliance with the 1980 Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal order. The state must revise its proposal before seeking fresh approval.
📊 Key Project Facts
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Banakacherla Lift Irrigation Project |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Target Region | Rayalaseema (Kadapa & Kurnool) |
| Source | Godavari River (via Polavaram) |
| Estimated Cost | ₹80,000+ Crore |
| Land Requirement | Over 40,000 Acres |
| Dispute With | Telangana State |
| Status | Environmental Clearance Denied |