The Central Government has returned the Terms of Reference proposal for the Polavaram-Banakacharla Link Project (PBLP), a subject that has sparked significant discussion in Andhra Pradesh. Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, disclosed this information in a written reply to a question raised by YSRCP MP Golla Baburao in the Rajya Sabha.
According to the details provided by Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, the ToR proposal for the Polavaram-Banakacharla Link Project was received by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Expert Appraisal Committee examined the proposal on June 17. However, the committee opined that before formulating the Terms of Reference for the project’s environmental assessment, the Central Water Commission needed to examine aspects such as inter-state water disputes, necessary clearances, and technical details. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh also noted that the Centre had received several complaints alleging that the Polavaram-Banakacharla project violated the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award. Taking these factors into account and acting on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee, the Central Government clarified that it had returned the ToR proposal for the project.
