In a setback to the Andhra Pradesh government, the Central Environmental Expert Committee (EAC) has refused to grant environmental clearance to the proposed Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project.

The committee cited multiple objections and emphasised that any further progress must be in line with the verdict of the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT), said EAC report dated June 30.

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), chaired by G.K. Chakrapani, held a meeting in virtual mode on June 17 to examine the proposal.

During the session, the committee took into consideration a wide range of objections received through emails and other channels.

Several complaints alleged that the project violates the 1980 GWDT judgment.

Concerns were also raised about potential submergence issues in the neighbouring States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, along with pending legal disputes.

The committee advised that the Central Water Commission (CWC) be consulted for a comprehensive evaluation of floodwater management and to address environmental and inter-State concerns.

It stressed that assessments of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Terms of Reference (ToR), and inter-State water-sharing implications should be done in collaboration with the CWC.

Based on these recommendations, the Centre has returned the proposal to the Andhra Pradesh government for further clarification and revision.

The EAC observes that the projected benefits of the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project include provision of drinking water for approximately 80 lakh people, creation of a new irrigation ayacut of 3 lakh hectares, stabilisation of an existing ayacut of 9.14 lakh hectares, supply of 20 tmc ft of water for industrial use, and development of 400 MW of hydropower generation capacity.

It noted that the proposed scheme aims to divert floodwaters from the Godavari basin (Polavaram Dam) to the water-deficit basins within the State.

The EAC further observed that Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Indira Sagar Polavaram Multipurpose Project on the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh was granted by the Ministry on January 25, 2005. However, due to submergence-related issues in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the matter remains sub judice.

Accordingly, the committee recommended that Andhra Pradesh should comprehensively assess the availability of floodwaters in consultation with the CWC.

Furthermore, the EAC noted that several representations have been received, alleging that the proposed scheme may be in violation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award, 1980.

So, it is imperative that the Andhra Pradesh should approach the CWC for examining the inter-State issues and granting necessary clearance before submitting the proposal for framing the TOR for conducting EIA study, the panel said.