The ambitious ₹82,000 crore Godavari-Krishna Link Project, aimed at addressing water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, has moved forward with
The ambitious ₹82,000 crore Godavari-Krishna Link Project, aimed at addressing water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, has moved forward with the issuance of tenders, despite persistent concerns over technical challenges. This river-linking initiative, designed to transfer surplus water from the Godavari River to the Krishna River, is part of India’s broader vision to optimize water resources and support drought-prone regions. However, recent reports highlight significant hurdles that could impact its feasibility and long-term success.
The project seeks to divert water from the Godavari River, which originates in Maharashtra and flows through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, to the Krishna River to irrigate parched farmlands and provide drinking water. According to official statements, the initiative could irrigate over 3.5 lakh hectares, benefiting districts like Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam. The Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project, completed in 2016, serves as a precursor, having successfully linked the two rivers on a smaller scale, earning a record in the Limca Book of Records for its rapid completion. Yet, the scale of the current project dwarfs past efforts, raising both expectations and concerns.
Technical challenges have cast a shadow over the project’s progress. Experts point to issues such as inconsistent water availability, complex hydrological calculations, and the risk of inter-state disputes. The Godavari’s surplus water, often cited as 1,100 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), is contested, with irrigation engineers arguing that future demands for drinking water and industrial use could shrink this surplus. A 2019 report from the Institution of Engineers (India) emphasized that diversions should only occur after meeting existing and planned irrigation needs, a condition that remains challenging to verify. Additionally, the project’s reliance on assured water rather than flood flows complicates its design, as flood-based calculations could overestimate available resources.
The financial scale of the project is another point of contention. Estimated at ₹82,000 crore, costs could escalate significantly over time, with earlier projections for a smaller-scale Godavari-Krishna link suggesting expenses between ₹50,000 crore and ₹1 lakh crore. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana face fiscal constraints, prompting questions about funding feasibility. Critics argue that the focus on this mega-project may divert resources from smaller, more immediate solutions like the Godavari-Penna link, which Andhra Pradesh has prioritized in recent years.
Local stakeholders have also voiced concerns. Farmers in Andhra Pradesh fear potential land loss, while Telangana’s irrigation officials stress the need for equitable water-sharing agreements to avoid inter-state tensions. The shelving of a similar Godavari-Krishna plan in 2020, due to high costs and Andhra Pradesh’s shift toward the Godavari-Penna link, underscores the political and economic complexities involved. Recent discussions on X highlight public skepticism, with some users questioning the project’s viability given past failures and technical uncertainties.
Despite these challenges, the issuance of tenders signals renewed momentum. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), tasked with overseeing India’s river interlinking projects, has circulated draft reports to states for feedback, indicating a structured approach to addressing concerns. The project aligns with the national vision of transferring water from surplus to deficit basins, a concept championed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. If successful, it could transform agriculture in the region, boosting productivity and resilience against drought.
However, experts urge caution. The project’s success hinges on robust engineering solutions, transparent cost estimates, and cooperative governance between states. Environmental impacts, including potential disruptions to local ecosystems, must also be studied thoroughly. The Pattiseema project faced criticism from the Comptroller and Auditor General for inefficiencies, a reminder that even well-intentioned initiatives require meticulous planning.
As tenders roll out, the Godavari-Krishna Link Project stands at a critical juncture. Its promise of water security for millions is undeniable, but technical, financial, and political hurdles demand careful navigation. For now, stakeholders await further clarity on how these challenges will be addressed, hoping that this bold initiative can deliver on its transformative potential without repeating past mistakes.
COMMENTS