ENC writes letter to Chairman Central Water Commission
NAVEENA GHANATE
Hyderabad
Telangana’s objections were not considered in the issue concerning Polavaram backwaters and the ground reality was ignored. Citing this, Engineer-in-Chief C Muralidhar wrote letter to Chairman Central Water Commission on the remedial measures to be taken due the effects of backwaters of the Polavaram project.
He wrote, “there is no action from the State of Andhra Pradesh and total lack of co-ordination on the part of PPA”.
Telangana has taken strong objection to the compliance affidavit filed by the Union government as Concerns on Backwater (BW) & – Submergence effect due to the Polavaram project protection measures were sought in consonance with GWDTA concerns which are unaddressed till date in contrast to averments in Compliance Affidavit of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
To focus the concerns of the State, Union of India (Uol) filed Compliance Affidavit on 01.09.2023 inter alia stating under para 12(i) that “The official(s) of the Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana gave their consent for joint survey for issues pertaining to Telangana and based on survey results necessary measure is to be taken by PPA and the Government of Andhra Pradesh as may be required and thus matter was resolved for taking further actions.”
Telangana said, “The stand of Union of India is totally contrary to the ground reality as none of the activities have been undertaken and hence appears to be mere eyewash of the assurances made in various meetings undertaken by CWC/PPA”.
Telangana raised concerns related to the submergence in Telangana territory when water is impounded at FRL+150 feet in Polavaram, backwater effect of the project in Telangana, drainage congestion and stagnation of local streams due to backwater, andeffect of the Manuguru Heavy Water Plant due to backwaters.
Sediment and silt, deviation in observed past flood events, mathematical study outcomes, need to ascertain backwater effect due to PMF and necessity for public hearing were highlighted.
“Under these circumstances, it is once again requested to take immediate steps to resolve all the concerns raised by the State of Telangana in line with the submission made by the Union of India in the Compliance Affidavit before the Hon’ble Supreme Court”, he said.
