New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government’s ambitious Polavaram-Banakacharla project has hit a major roadblock, with the Central Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) refusing to grant the necessary environmental clearances. In a strongly worded response, the committee has returned the state’s proposal, citing multiple unresolved objections.
According to the panel, environmental clearance for the Banakacharla component cannot be granted at this stage. The committee recommended a thorough review of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) award before moving forward. It also stressed the importance of seeking the opinion of the Central Water Commission (CWC) on technical and environmental aspects.
The EAC clarified that only after these steps are completed will the project be reconsidered for clearance, delivering a significant setback to Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation development strategy.