Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has instructed the legal team to prepare strong arguments for the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on Telangana’s challenge to the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi is representing Andhra Pradesh in the case. The minister emphasized the importance of presenting all relevant records to support the project during a video conference with senior irrigation officials.
The proposed project aims to utilize 200 TMC of water from the Godavari river, which currently flows into the sea. Ramanaidu expressed disappointment over Telangana’s legal challenge, highlighting the project’s intention to make the Rayalaseema region fertile by diverting water that would otherwise go to waste. He cited the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award, asserting Andhra Pradesh’s right to utilize surplus water as a downstream state without affecting other states’ rights.
Ramanaidu clarified that the project’s feasibility report has been submitted to the Central government, with adjustments being made based on their feedback. He assured that the project will proceed only after obtaining all necessary legal approvals. In response, Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy opposed the project, alleging violations of water dispute regulations and interstate laws.
