In a significant stride towards interlinking rivers, all seven stakeholder states have given their in-principle approval for the Godavari-Cauvery link project. This consensus has prompted the Central government to make a decisive move, announcing its intention to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) before January 2024. During the latest session of the 'Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers' (TF-ILR) held at Jala Soudha in Hyderabad, detailed discussions unfolded, shedding light on various projects, with a particular emphasis on the 'Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery' link project.

The meeting, chaired by Sriram Vedire, Chairman of the TF-ILR, witnessed the presence of notable figures including the Chairman of the Central Water Commission, the Director General of the National Water Development Agency, officials from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, along with experts from the task force.

During discussions with reporters, Sriram Vedire conveyed that all seven states provided their in-principle consent for the Godavari-Cauvery link project. He emphasized the utilization of 'unutilized waters' for the project, making it clear that surplus or allocated waters would not be employed. Sriram outlined the plan to divert 148 tmcft of Godavari water from Icchampally to Cauvery via Nagarjuna Sagar and Somasila, noting the approval of this proposal by both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Sources indicate that the final version of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be distributed to the states by the end of December. An agreement is scheduled to be signed by January 15, 2024, with the respective chief ministers of the involved states endorsing the MoU. Notably, the formal signing is expected to occur after the completion of elections in Telangana.

In response to the discussions, Shashi Bhushan Kumar, the principal secretary of irrigation in Andhra Pradesh, expressed the need for Central government officials to divert water from Polavaram. He emphasized the challenges associated with land acquisition for the link project. Additionally, he called for a separate meeting to address the technical issues related to the link project.

The proposal to utilize Icchampally for diverting Godavari water faced opposition from Telangana's Irrigation engineer-in-chief, C Muralidhar. Instead, he recommended the Centre use the Sammakka-Sarakka (Tupakulagudem) barrage for the same purpose. This dissenting view was expressed during discussions on the Godavari-Cauvery link project.

While the final MoU is expected to be circulated by the end of December, the formal signing is slated for January 15, 2024, following the completion of elections in Telangana. Nevertheless, diverse opinions emerged, including the suggestion from Telangana's C Muralidhar to consider the Sammakka-Sarakka barrage for the water diversion, highlighting ongoing discussions on technical aspects and differing perspectives among stakeholders.

Image source: Indian Express