VIJAYAWADA: Based on the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project submitted by the Andhra Pradesh government, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has asked the State government to provide the salient features of all water resources projects in Andhra Pradesh-whether approved or unapproved, under construction, or completed-along with their planned water utilisation.
The CWC also requested that the project authorities indicate the dependability on which these projects have been planned. Other requirements from the CWC include an index map showing the location of existing, under-construction, and proposed/planned projects in Andhra Pradesh.
As per the Guidelines for Preparation of Detailed Project Report of Irrigation and Multipurpose Projects 2010, the minimum success rate recommended by the erstwhile Planning Commission for an irrigation project to be considered viable is 75%. “In view of this, the dependability of the proposed diversion water (200 TMC) may be computed, after accounting for the utilisation (existing, under construction and planned) and allocation as per GWDT of co-basin states including AP.
The Excel sheet of annexure provided by the project authorities does not contain any formula or calculation. Therefore, the Excel sheet containing computation and formulas be submitted,” the CWC said.
Further, the CWC also sought the details of project-wise data, irrigated area statistics, and reservoir release records.As that all co-basin states - Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and AP-eventually utilise their full entitlements under the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award, including allocations at 75% dependability, the CWC asked the details of entitlement used in computation.
CWC seeks floodwater information
With regard to the details submitted in the PFR that flood water from Polavaram dam would be diverted to river Krishna (Prakasam Barrage) through a new parallel canal along the Polavaram Right Main Canal (RMC) with a capacity of 510 cumec, the CWC sought clarification how floodwater is being defined and how its computation of floodwater is being done.
“It may also be clarified whether it is in conformation with GWDT award? Assuming pumping rate of 510 cumec, operating 24 hours in a day, about 129 days would be required to divert 200 TMC of floodwater. Therefore, a simulation study may be carried out using floodwater discharge data at Polavaram showing whether the required number of days is available or not taking GWDT Award into account,” the communication read.