HYDERABAD, July 20(UNI) The Telangana government has repeatedly requested the Centre to analyze the problem posed by backwater from the Polavaram project being built by Andhra Pradesh across the Godavari river, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Rajat Kumar said backwaters from Polavaram not only damage crops but also threaten historic places and inundate Bhadrachalam and adjoining areas. The official said construction of Polavaram will submerge one lakh acres of land.
Ajay Kumar’s demand to lower the height of the Polavaram dam and hand over seven mandals back to Telangana which were merged with Andhra Pradesh in 2014 evoked a strong reaction from Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Rajat Kumar also dismissed criticism from some quarters over the damage caused to the Kaleshwaram project by recent floods. He told reporters that the project was built after taking approvals from 18 departments in the Central Water Commission. He also stated that the data from the India Meteorological Department and the European Satellite Agency did not help in anticipating the intensity of the rains.
The official said due to heavy rains and floods Kaleshwaram project suffered a loss of Rs 20-25 crore. He, however, clarified that as per the agreement, the loss will be compensated by the company which executed the project. He said Kaleshwaram pumphouse repair will be completed in 45 days.
