A fresh debate has emerged in Telangana following recent remarks by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding the potential impact of filling the Medigadda barrage. While addressing a public meeting in Khammam, the Chief Minister reportedly stated that if water is stored at Medigadda, even the revered Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam and the town itself could face serious danger. His comments have since gone viral across television channels and social media platforms.
Growing Concerns Over Polavaram
The Polavaram Project, being constructed across the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s largest national irrigation projects. Once completed, it is expected to provide irrigation to lakhs of acres, supply drinking water to millions of people, and generate approximately 960 MW of hydroelectric power.
While Andhra Pradesh considers the project its “lifeline,” people living in Bhadrachalam and nearby regions continue to express concerns about possible flood risks.
Current Status of the Project
Construction has progressed significantly over the past few years.
- Spillway construction has been completed.
- Installation of major spillway gates has been completed.
- The damaged diaphragm wall has been reconstructed.
- Earth-cum-rockfill dam construction is underway.
- The Andhra Pradesh Government aims to complete the project by 2027.
The project has been designed with a Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 45.72 metres (150 feet) and a spillway capable of discharging up to 50 lakh cusecs of floodwater.
The Backwater Debate
The central concern revolves around the backwater effect.
Backwater refers to the rise in upstream water levels caused by water stored behind a dam during periods of heavy flooding.
According to concerns expressed in Telangana, this effect could increase flood levels in upstream areas, including Bhadrachalam, during extreme flood events.
However, Andhra Pradesh authorities maintain that the Polavaram Project has been scientifically designed and that there will be no abnormal backwater impact beyond approved design limits.
Tribal Communities Face Major Displacement
The Polavaram Project has significantly affected tribal communities living in areas such as Chintoor, Kunavaram, VR Puram, Etapaka, Kukkunoor and Velerupadu.
Many families belonging to the Koya, Konda Reddy and Nayakpod tribes have had to leave ancestral villages connected to forests, agriculture and traditional livelihoods.
Following the formation of Telangana in 2014, seven mandals from the erstwhile Khammam district were transferred to Andhra Pradesh largely to facilitate the Polavaram Project.
Although governments promised rehabilitation, compensation, housing, schools, hospitals, roads and employment opportunities, many displaced families continue to seek complete rehabilitation.
Why Bhadrachalam Residents Are Concerned
Bhadrachalam has witnessed several major floods over the years, including in 1976, 1990, 2006 and 2022.
The 2022 floods remain one of the worst in recent history, with thousands of families displaced as the Godavari River crossed danger levels.
Neighbouring areas including Dummugudem, Burgampahad, Sarapaka and Cherla also suffered severe flooding.
Residents now fear that once the Polavaram reservoir reaches full capacity, future extreme floods could worsen due to the backwater effect.
Development vs Rehabilitation
Supporters believe the Polavaram Project will transform irrigation, provide drinking water, generate electricity and strengthen the economy of Andhra Pradesh.
Critics argue that development should not come at the cost of inadequate rehabilitation, displacement of tribal communities and unresolved concerns regarding flood safety.
Questions Still Awaiting Answers
- Will Polavaram increase flood risks in Bhadrachalam during extreme floods?
- Have all displaced tribal families received fair rehabilitation?
- Are current flood management measures sufficient?
- Can development and environmental safety be balanced effectively?
These questions continue to remain at the centre of public discussion as the Polavaram Project moves towards completion.
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