Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy blames previous BRS government for ‘Polavaram backwater threat’ to flood- prone areas in Bhadrachalam

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy accused the previous BRS government of causing a potential threat to flood-prone regions in Bhadrachalam and surrounding areas along the Godavari due to the Polavaram project's backwater effect. During a review of temple redevelopment works at the Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple with officials, Reddy claimed that seven mandals of the former Khammam district and five Gram Panchayats near Bhadrachalam were incorporated into residual Andhra Pradesh following the state bifurcation, owing to the previous administration's negligence.

Although there has been no flooding this season in the Godavari due to the influence of El Nino, the backwater level could potentially increase by 20 to 25 feet above the average level in the future, endangering flood-prone areas in Telangana. Despite submitting memoranda to central agencies, Reddy alleged that no action has been taken to address the issue.

He emphasized that the state does not oppose the Polavaram project, but insists on safeguarding flood-prone regions in Telangana. Reddy mentioned that a team of MPs and MLAs from Telangana, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, will meet with central government officials during the Parliament session to highlight the potential flood threat from the Polavaram backwater effect and urge a re-evaluation of the issue.

Earlier, Reddy inspected the temple development works and directed officials to complete the projects before religious festivals and the Godavari Pushkarams in 2027, ensuring high-quality standards.