In a new escalation in the ongoing water-sharing tensions between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana government has formally refused to discuss the Banakacherla project in the Chief Minister-level meeting set to be held in New Delhi on July 16, 2025.

The meeting is scheduled to include Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil.

Telangana’s objection, delivered in a letter to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on Tuesday (July 15, 2025), underscores the fragile and contentious nature of inter-state water negotiations, particularly in the Krishna river basin.

Background on the Banakacherla Project

The Banakacherla interlinking project is a proposal by Andhra Pradesh to divert surplus floodwaters from the Polavaram reservoir to the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district.

Andhra Pradesh argues:

• The project would solve Rayalaseema’s chronic water scarcity.

• It would provide long-term irrigation and drinking water solutions.

• It represents Andhra’s rightful utilisation of surplus water as the tail-end State of the Godavari river system.

Recently, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek central support for this project, highlighting its importance for drought-prone Rayalaseema.

Telangana’s Objection

In its letter to the Union Government, the Telangana government categorically rejected the inclusion of the Banakacherla project as the single-point agenda of the July 16 meeting.

Key objections raised by Telangana:

• The project is unsanctioned and irrelevant to formal negotiations.

• No permissions have been obtained from mandatory regulatory bodies such as:

  • Godavari River Management Board (GRMB)

  • Central Water Commission (CWC)

  • Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

• It is premature and unacceptable to discuss a project that has not cleared regulatory hurdles.

Telangana's stance is that it will not legitimise or discuss a project it considers illegally advanced without central or inter-state approvals.

Importance of Regulatory Approvals

Water resource projects in India, especially inter-basin transfers, are heavily regulated to avoid inter-state disputes.

Key regulatory bodies involved include:

• GRMB (Godavari River Management Board): Ensures equitable water sharing among Godavari basin States.

• CWC (Central Water Commission): Technical clearance and feasibility.

• EAC (Expert Appraisal Committee): Environmental and social impact assessments.

Telangana pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has not secured these clearances, making any discussion at the CM-level meeting pointless and against established procedures.

Political Dynamics Between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

The relationship between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has been strained ever since the bifurcation in 2014.

Water sharing has been a particularly contentious issue:

• Krishna and Godavari river waters are lifelines for both States.

• Telangana often accuses Andhra Pradesh of attempting unauthorised diversions.

• Andhra Pradesh claims its rights as a downstream State to utilise surplus waters.

These disputes are rooted in complex water sharing agreements, historical injustices, and political rivalry.

Details of the July 16 Meeting

The meeting in New Delhi was arranged by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to:

• Resolve inter-state water sharing issues.

• Ensure cooperation between the two States.

• Address pending disputes under the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal framework.

However, Andhra Pradesh proposed to make the Banakacherla project the sole agenda item, leading to Telangana’s refusal.

Telangana’s Letter to the Centre

In the letter sent on July 15, Telangana’s government:

• Accused Andhra Pradesh of trying to hijack the meeting with a single-point agenda.

• Described the Banakacherla project as “irrelevant and unsanctioned”.

• Warned that discussing such projects without regulatory approvals would undermine institutional processes.

The letter demanded that the meeting agenda should focus on approved, pending, or agreed-upon issues only.

Andhra Pradesh’s Perspective

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu has been pushing hard for central support for the Banakacherla project.

Naidu’s arguments:

• The project would divert 200 tmc ft of surplus Godavari water to Rayalaseema.

• It addresses long-standing drought and irrigation challenges.

• Andhra has rights as the tail-end State to utilise surplus waters for its people.

Naidu also thanked the Centre for its past support, appealing for cooperation on this vital water security initiative.

Union Government’s Role

The Union Jal Shakti Ministry under Minister CR Patil is tasked with:

• Mediating between the two States.

• Ensuring compliance with tribunal orders and legal frameworks.

• Avoiding escalation of inter-state tensions.

The Centre is under pressure to:

• Balance Andhra Pradesh’s development needs.

• Respect Telangana’s insistence on regulatory process.

• Maintain peace and cooperation in inter-state water sharing.

Historical Context of Water Disputes

Water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are not new:

• Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal awards have repeatedly been contested.

• Telangana alleges historic inequities in water allocation post-bifurcation.

• Andhra argues that downstream rights entitle it to use surplus flows.

Similar disputes have erupted over:

• Rayalaseema lift irrigation projects.

• Pothireddypadu Head Regulator.

• Polavaram project impacts.

Such tensions underscore the sensitivity of any new project proposal.

Environmental and Social Concerns

Apart from regulatory clearances, projects like Banakacherla raise critical questions about:

• Environmental sustainability.

• Displacement of communities.

• Impact on downstream ecosystems.

Telangana’s position is that no discussion can proceed without addressing these factors through mandatory clearances.

Impact on CM-Level Talks

The Telangana government’s letter has thrown the Delhi meeting into uncertainty.

Key questions now:

• Will Andhra Pradesh insist on discussing Banakacherla?

• Will Telangana boycott or walk out if it's raised?

• How will the Centre navigate the stalemate?

The meeting’s outcome is now in doubt, risking a further breakdown of inter-state dialogue.

Opposition Reactions

Political opposition in both States is watching closely:

• Telangana opposition may criticise CM Revanth Reddy if he concedes ground.

• Andhra opposition may attack Naidu for failing to secure central support.

• National parties may seek to mediate or exploit the divide.

Future of the Banakacherla Project

Without GRMB, CWC, and EAC approvals, the Banakacherla project:

• Cannot legally proceed.

• Risks long legal battles if forced through.

• May become a political flashpoint in both States.

The Centre’s stance will be crucial in determining if and how the project moves forward.

Conclusion

The Telangana government’s refusal to discuss the Banakacherla project in the upcoming CM-level meeting reflects the deep distrust and competing priorities between the two States.

Telangana insists on due process and regulatory approvals before any formal negotiation.
Andhra Pradesh sees the project as essential for addressing Rayalaseema’s water scarcity.

The Centre must now manage these competing demands, uphold legal frameworks, and prevent the issue from escalating into a broader inter-state conflict.

This dispute highlights the urgent need for cooperative, transparent, and fair water-sharing mechanisms that respect both development needs and environmental safeguards in India’s federal framework.

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