Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy blames previous BRS government for ‘Polavaram menace of stagnant water’ to floodplains in Bhadrachalam

BY BHADRADRI KOTHAGUD

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Friday said the previous BRS government was responsible for the potential threat posed by backflow of the Polavaram project to Bhadrachalam and other areas along the Godavari in Telangana.

The Minister reviewed the ongoing reconstruction and rejuvenation work at the historic Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple with officials at the Bhadrachalam Sub-Collector’s office.

Mr. Srinivas Reddy later stated in the media that the seven mandals of the erstwhile composite district of Khammam and the five Gram Panchayats adjoining Bhadrachalam were merged with the rest of Andhra Pradesh after the bifurcation of the state due to the negligence of the then Chief Minister.

Although there has been no flooding in the Godavari this season due to the potential impact of El Nino, the surge water level could rise by 20 to 25 feet above the average level in the future in areas along the river course from Mulugu to Bhadrachalam, posing a threat to floodplains in Telangana, he said.

He claimed that memoranda submitted by MLAs representing constituencies along the Godavari river course to the concerned central agencies raising concerns over the issue failed to elicit a response.

“We are not against the Polavaram project, but we insist that flood-prone areas in Telangana be protected,” he said.

Mr. Srinivas Reddy said a team of MPs and MLAs from Telangana, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, would meet key officials of the Central Government during the Parliament session to apprise them of the potential flood threat due to the effect of the Polavaram high water and urge them to re-examine the issue.

Earlier, the minister inspected the ongoing construction work of the temple and reviewed their progress with the officials.

The state government had sanctioned ₹351 crore earlier this year to rebuild and rejuvenate the temple in accordance with the Agama Shastras.

He directed the officials to complete the development work of Uttara Dwaram before Mukkoti (Vaikunta) Ekadasi in December this year and all other works before the Sri Rama Navami festival to be held in April next year.

He also directed the officials to complete the Godavari Pushkar Ghats and other related works well in advance of the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams.

The minister emphasized the need to speed up work while maintaining high quality standards.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 21:43 IST