Polavaram’s 41.65-metre claim meets a 41.15-metre file
The Union approved Phase I storage up to EL +41.15 metres. The reported 41.65-metre level, September 9 meeting and 2026 storage plan remain unverified.
The approved Phase I storage level is EL +41.15 metres; the reported higher level remains unverified.
The Union approved Polavaram’s Phase I works for storage up to EL +41.15 metres. A report now says Andhra Pradesh may begin storing water this year at EL +41.65 metres, with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) discussing the matter on September 9. The public record, rather inconveniently, currently says 41.15 metres.
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti’s 2025 annual report records Cabinet approval on August 28, 2024, for the revised Rs 30,436.95-crore project cost and Phase I storage up to EL +41.15 metres. A Rajya Sabha answer repeats that figure and says the project’s ultimate full reservoir level remains EL +45.72 metres. No public PPA notice, agenda or minutes confirming a September 9 meeting, a 41.65-metre operating level or storage beginning in 2026 was found.
The concern for Bhadradri-Kothagudem is not imaginary. Parliamentary records and earlier government material document backwater and submergence concerns, while PPA and Central Water Commission officials inspected Kothagudem in June 2026. The PPA is responsible for reservoir regulation, water accounting and flood forecasting. Telangana deserves the current model and operating plan before Andhra Pradesh gets another number approved by repetition.