Telangana government moves NGT for study on impact of Polavaram

Hyderabad: In a significant development, the TS government has filed an affidavit before the National Green Tribunal, seeking a detailed survey on the impact of backwaters of Polavaram dam on Telangana state territory. The TS government also sought a direction to the AP government to take up all necessary protective measures to avert flooding in Telangana state, especially in the famous Rama temple at Bhadrachalam and in Parnasala. The NGT, after considering the affidavit on Monday, adjourned hearing to January 2, 2017.

The TS government submitted to the NGT that the impact of any flood at full reservoir level of 150 ft at Polavaram and the impact of backwaters due to that have not been studied so far and hence a detailed survey was needed to be ordered.

The TS government also contended that it was only notional that backwaters of Polavaram dam will not affect any flooding of the Bhadrachalam temple and of the Parnasala structure near Bhadrachalam unless a clear cut study was ordered.

It also said that if the backwater study found any possible impact of flooding in TS territory, the AP government should take up remedial measures like construction of protection walls and structures to avoid likely submergence of the area.

The TS government pointed out that construction of similar structures has been assured for Chhattisgarh and Odisha states, and similar action shall be ensured in the case of TS also.

Special chief secretary (irrigation) S. K. Joshi confirmed to DC the TS government’s affidavit before the NGT, seeking a study by an independent agency on the impact of backwaters of Polavaram.