Over the last few days, Telangana politics has been buzzing over Banakacherla, But what exactly is it, and why is everyone suddenly talking about it? Let’s break it down-how KCR set the stage, how Jagan moved in, and how Congress is now trying to fix it.
Banakacharla forms part of Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Godavari–Banakacherla interlink. It draws surplus water from the Godavari at Polavaram and channels it toward Krishna and Penna basins, aiming to irrigate Rayalaseema. Telangana claims this diversion violates tribunal mandates and lacks legal clearances from central water authorities
Andhra Pradesh plans to irrigate about 3 lakh hectares and supply drinking water to 8 million people, relying solely on floodwater that would otherwise go unused .
Telangana argues that this transfer could reduce its share from both the Godavari and Krishna basins, breaching the 1980 GWDT awards and the 2014 Reorganisation Act
KCR–Jagan Nexus: How it Started
Between 2019 and 2023, Andhra rapidly built canal infrastructure linked to Banakachela and initiated water diversion.
In late 2023, Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao and Andhra CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reportedly struck an informal understanding allowing Andhra’s use of surplus Godavari water through Banakacherla-without legal approvals
BRS government did not pursue judicial or parliamentary oversight, effectively allowing the groundwork for the canal system to advance unchecked.
In early 2025, Telangana formally flagged the issue with the Centra- Water Commission, Godavari River Management Board, and Apex Council, demanding a halt until proper approvals exist after Visible construction began
Andhra insists it’s drawing only surplus floodwater and denies harm to Telangana
In June 2025, all major Telangana parties, including Congress, BRS, and BJP united to oppose the project, prioritizing farmers’ water rights
BRS leaders allege the prior Congress-led state failed to act and insist the present Congress cahoots with Andhra Pradesh. They have demanded an emergency Assembly session, Supreme Court intervention, and even threatened protests at the Central Water Commission if action isn’t taken. While BRS insists it is standing up for Telangana’s farmers, others say the party is trying to reassert itself after years of inaction.
Since winning power, CM Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy have taken decisive steps:
Filed formal petitions in Krishna Water Tribunal and Supreme Court
Offered Andhra a conditional agreement-AP gets surplus water while Telangana secures 1,580 TMC from Krishna and Godavari
Demanded NOC and legal clearances from the Centre, CWC, GRMB, and KRMB, and put all work on hold until clarified
What Happened Yesterday (June 18)
During a high-level all-party meeting, the government achieved political unity on the issue:
Agreed to push aggressively in courts and tribunals.
Launched voter-friendly outreach with public updates on water usage.
Installed telemetry systems to monitor real-time water diversion
Banakacherala has shifted from a technical canal issue to a political and legal battleground. Telangana’s Congress government is adopting a proactive, transparent stance, marking a clear break from past inactions and positioning itself as the defender of state water rights
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