Anakapalli to get Godavari water through Polavaram Left Main Canal by June, says A.P. Minister
More than 28,500 acres and 110 minor irrigation tanks will get access to irrigation water and 143 villages covering 5.23 lakh population will get safe drinking water, says Ramanaidu
360° Perspective Analysis
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Context
The Water Resources Minister of Andhra Pradesh recently stated that water from the Godavari River would reach Anakapalli by early June 2026. This distribution will happen through the Left Main Canal (LMC) of the Polavaram irrigation project. The completion of this phase is crucial for expanding agricultural and drinking water access in the North Andhra region.
UPSC Perspectives
Geographical
The Polavaram Project is a massive multi-purpose terminal reservoir on the Godavari River, often called the Dakshin Ganga. Originating in Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra, the Godavari basin is the largest peninsular river system. For UPSC Geography (GS Paper 1), candidates must know that Polavaram is located near the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. The project facilitates crucial inter-basin water transfer, moving surplus Godavari water to the Krishna basin through the Right Main Canal, while the Left Main Canal serves the North Andhra region, including Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli. This interlinking of rivers is a key part of India's strategy to balance regional water deficits and surpluses.
Polity
Polavaram highlights complex inter-state water disputes, a recurring theme in GS Paper 2 (Federalism). It was originally conceptualized based on the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) award of 1980. Disputes have emerged under Article 131 (original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court) regarding submerged areas and water sharing. Upper riparian states like Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have challenged the project, citing lack of clearances and submergence of tribal lands. The project was declared a National Project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, mandating the central government to fund 90% of the irrigation component and secure necessary environmental and rehabilitation clearances. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled on Telangana's petition against the project's expansion, affirming that such matters fall under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Social
The construction of massive reservoirs inevitably creates a development vs. displacement dilemma, pertinent to GS Paper 1 (Society) and GS Paper 2 (Social Justice). The backwaters of Polavaram threaten to submerge hundreds of villages in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This displacement disproportionately affects indigenous populations, including Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like the Konda Reddis and Koyas. Under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the government must ensure adequate compensation, land-for-land rehabilitation, and monetary compensation for lost community forest rights. The slow pace of Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) remains a significant challenge.