Telangana urges MoJS to expedite drainage congestion studies on Polavaram at FRL
In a letter to the Union official, Irrigation Secretary says a PPA team inspected submergence, backwater-affected areas in June
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Context
The Telangana government has urged the to expedite drainage congestion studies and implement protective measures for areas in Telangana likely to be affected by the submergence and backwater effect of the at its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 45.72 meters. This follows inspections by the in areas like Bhadrachalam, highlighting concerns over infrastructure, including the Heavy Water Plant at Manuguru, and the need for urgent mitigation strategies.
UPSC Perspectives
Governance
The , a multi-purpose national project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, presents a classic case study in inter-state water disputes and the complexities of federalism. Under of the Constitution, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute with respect to the use, distribution, or control of the waters of, or in, any inter-State river or river valley. The was enacted under this provision. While Polavaram has the status of a 'National Project' under the , its implementation is fraught with concerns from upstream states like Telangana and Odisha regarding submergence and backwater effects. The involvement of the and the highlights the role of the Union government and specialized statutory/executive bodies in mediating disputes and ensuring compliance with environmental and technical clearances. UPSC aspirants should analyze the efficacy of these institutional mechanisms in resolving disputes that transcend state boundaries, particularly when a project crucial to one state poses existential threats (submergence) to another.
Geographical
The geographical ramifications of large dams are a critical area of study. The intends to facilitate inter-basin water transfer from the Godavari to the Krishna river basin. However, the creation of a massive reservoir alters the local hydrology. The key geographical concern raised by Telangana is the backwater effect—where the dam impedes the natural flow of the river, causing water levels to rise upstream, even beyond the reservoir itself. This leads to drainage congestion, meaning local streams (like Kinnerasani, Peddavagu mentioned in the article) cannot effectively drain into the main river, causing localized flooding and waterlogging. The article mentions the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 45.72 meters. Operating a dam at FRL maximizes storage but also maximizes upstream submergence risks. Aspirants must understand the concepts of FRL, dead storage, and live storage, and how alterations in river morphology impact riparian ecosystems and human settlements.
Environmental
The construction of mega-dams like Polavaram necessitates rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). The concerns raised by Telangana regarding submergence point to significant environmental and social costs. Large-scale displacement of tribal populations (particularly in the Scheduled Areas of the Godavari basin) is a major consequence, raising questions about rehabilitation and resettlement policies. Furthermore, submergence leads to the loss of biodiversity and forest cover. The article highlights the potential threat to critical infrastructure, such as the Heavy Water Plant, demonstrating that environmental changes (like altered water levels) have direct economic and strategic implications. The demand for 'protective measures' such as embankments and pumping arrangements indicates that the initial mitigation plans may have been inadequate or require reassessment based on actual field observations. This underscores the need for continuous environmental monitoring and adaptive management strategies in large infrastructure projects.