Harish raises alarm over Polavaram backwaters

Calls for rehabilitation and flood safeguards, writes to PPA

metro india news  I hyderabad

BRS Deputy Floor Leader T Harish Rao has urged the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) to take immediate measures to protect Telangana's flood-prone regions from the growing threat of Polavaram backwaters. In a letter addressed to the PPA Chief Executive Officer, Harish Rao highlighted the serious risks faced by Bhadrachalam and surrounding areas and demanded compensation, rehabilitation and permanent flood protection measures for affected families.

The letter was submitted to PPA officials, by BRS leaders from Pinapaka and Bhadrachalam constituencies during the officials' visit to Bhadrachalam. 

Harish Rao warned that the Full Reservoir Level of the Polavaram Project stands at 45.72 metres, which coincides with the first flood warning level at Bhadrachalam, raising concerns that the town could face a continuous flood threat once the project becomes fully operational.

Referring to the 2022 floods, he stated that the backwater impact following the completion of the Polavaram coffer dam significantly worsened flooding in Bhadrachalam, Burgampahad and Sarapaka. Nearly 40 percent of Bhadrachalam town was submerged, affecting more than one lakh residents and causing extensive damage.

Harish Rao cautioned that future floods could be even more devastating as the project is designed to handle flows ranging from 36 lakh to 50 lakh cusecs. He noted that the threat extends beyond villages and also endangers major industrial units such as ITC Paperboards, the Heavy Water Plant and the Dummugudem Hydel Project, which support the livelihoods of nearly 5,000 families.

Citing studies by IIT and WAPCOS, he said nearly 184 square kilometres across 36 villages could be impacted by Polavaram backwaters. He demanded immediate compensation and comprehensive rehabilitation for around 2,000 families repeatedly affected by floods.

Harish Rao also called for the construction of pumping stations, treatment facilities, embankments and flood protection walls in vulnerable areas. He further urged the PPA to establish a dedicated division office in Bhadrachalam to oversee rehabilitation, flood management and backwater-related issues. Reiterating the BRS party's commitment, he said the party would continue to stand by flood-affected families and fight for the protection of Telangana's interests.