GODAVARI RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD Minutes of 9Th Meeting Held on 5Th June, 2020 at Hyderabad

GODAVARI RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD Minutes of 9th meeting held on 5th June, 2020 at Hyderabad

The ninth meeting of Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) was held under the chairmanship of Shri J. Chandrashekhar Iyer, Chairman, GRMB at Hyderabad on 5th June, 2020.The list of participants is enclosed at Annexure - I

At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members of the Board and other participants from Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP), Government of Telangana State (GoTS) and GRMB to the meeting. Recalling that the Board has recently completed six years of its existence, he gratefully acknowledged the cooperation and support extended by both the States in smooth functioning and growth of the Board. He urged both the States to further strengthen the Board in fulfilling its mandate as provided for in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (APRA).

Chairman thereafter requested Member Secretary to take up the Agenda items for discussion. The agenda-wise discussions held and decisions taken as under.

Item 9.1- Confirmation of the Minutes of the 8th meeting of the Board held on 09thAugust, 2019.

Member Secretary presented before the Board that the minutes of the 8th meeting of the Board was circulated to the members of the Board vide GRMB letter dated 16th September 2019. Government of Telangana State (GoTS) furnished their observations vide their letter dated 22.09.2019 on Item nos. 8.5.1, 8.6.1 & 8.6.2 of the minutes. No comments were received from GoAP.

After discussion, Board agreed not to make any changes under item Nos 8.5.1 and 8.6.1 of the minutes. The proposed change suggested by GoTS under item No 8.6.2 was agreed to. The confirmed minutes of the 8th meeting is accordingly enclosed at Annexure -II.

Item 9.2- Submission of DPRs of Water Resources Projects in Godavari Basin by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for appraisal.

Member Secretary presented the agenda item on the submission of DPRs of water resources projects in Godavari basin by the two States. This issue has been under discussion in the earlier meetings as well of the Board. The matter has also been discussed in the review meetings taken by Secretary (WR, RD & GR) in February 2018 and January 2020, wherein both the States were advised to submit the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of all the new projects in Godavari basin to GRMB for appraisal and clearance from Apex Council as per Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Member Secretary mentioned that the Special Chief Secretary, WRD, GoAP vide letter dated 14th May 2020, citing the utilization under existing, ongoing, future and new projects taken up by both States on Godavari River has raised concern that there is hardly any water for projects to be taken up by both States under 75% dependability. The letter has further raised objection that the State of Telangana is executing the following new projects without furnishing the DPRs to GRMB and approval of Apex Council.

(i) Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (ii) GLIS Phase- III (iii) Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (iv) Tupakulagudem (v) Telangana Drinking Water Supply Project (vi) Barrages on Lower Penganga river a) Rajupet (Bhimkund) b) Chanakha-Korta c) Pimparad-Parsoda (vii) Ramappa Lake to Pakhal Lake Diversion

GoAP has in the letter further opined that construction of above projects without any detailed studies regarding negative impact on the availability of water as per GWDT

Award for the lower down projects, is in violation of AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Further, the State of Telangana has enhanced the utilization under the Kaleshwaram Project from 225 TMC to 450 TMC and under Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project from 70 TMC to 100 TMC.

Member Secretary informed the members that citing relevant provisions under section 85(8)(d) and para-7 of the Eleventh Schedule of APRA, 2014, GRMB vide letter dated 19th May 2020 sought the views of Govt. of Telangana on the letter of Special Chief Secretary, WRD, Government of Andhra Pradesh and to furnish copies of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)/details of the projects mentioned above. On the directions of Ministry of Jal Shakti, GRMB vide letter dated 30th May 2020 conveyed to Government of Telangana that the State shall not go ahead with the new projects till the projects are appraised by GRMB/CWC and sanction of Apex Council is obtained.

He recalled the recent meeting taken by Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti on 21st January 2020. Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR after hearing the views of both the State Governments observed that any irrigation project which has not been techno-economically appraised by Central Water Commission (CWC) and accepted by Technical Advisory Committee of DoWR, RD& GR should be considered as new project irrespective of the fact whether it was conceived before or after bifurcation of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. Secretary (WR, RD & GR) was of the view that all major, medium and multipurpose projects, where there is change in scope such as change in location of intake points, change in alignment of canal distribution network, change in size and geographical location of command area to be served, change in storage, increase in water utilization etc., should be treated as new schemes irrespective of the status of construction of project for the purpose of appraisal. Further, Secretary opined that, in addition to the above mentioned parameters, from the angle of Inter- State issues and hydrology of a project, the project needs to be appraised by the respective Board. Further, appraisal has to be done by CWC also, before placing them to the Apex Council for approval as the Boards do not have the requisite wherewithal in terms of technical wings.

Member Secretary informed the Board that GoTS vide their letter dated 4th June 2020 have furnished their response on the above said letter of GoAP. However, copy of DPRs has not yet been received from GoTS. A copy of the reply was handed over by GoTS to Administrative Member from GoAP during the meeting. GRMB would be formally forwarding the letter of GoTS to GoAP.

The Administrative Member from GoTS in his opening remarks stated as follows.

i) The erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh has estimated the 75% dependable yield in Godavari basin within its territory as 1480 TMC as presented before the Committee for Consultations on the Situation of Andhra Pradesh, December 2010 (Justice Sri Krishna Committee).

ii) Hon’ble Chief Minister of erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh has communicated the information to the members of the Legislative Assembly in January, 2014, that the allocation to Telangana region in Godavari basin is967.14 TMC, comprising of 912.25 TMC for irrigation projects and 54.89 TMC for hydroelectric projects.

iii) As per Clause-VII of GWDT Award,

“Nothing in the Order of this Tribunal shall impair the right or power or authority of any State to regulate within its boundaries the use of water or to enjoy the benefit of waters within that State in a manner not inconsistent with the Order of this Tribunal.”

The waters can be used by a basin State anywhere within its boundary and hence GoTS is planning projects within its allocation of 967.14 TMC.

iv) The State of Telangana is not realizing the allocated water in some of the upstream projects like Sriramsagar (SRSP)-185 TMC, Nizamsagar- 58 TMC on account of various executive actions by the upper riparian States. The success rate of these projects has been abysmally lower

than 75%. The average utilization based on past 20 years data from 2000-01 to 2019-20 in SRSP and Nizamsagar projects is of the order of 72 TMC and 11 TMC respectively. No water is available in Kakatiya Canal of SRSP. To mitigate the suffering of the farmers within their command, it has become necessary for the State of Telangana to invoke the freedom of en-bloc nature of allocation provided for in Clause-VII of Final Order of GWDT Award and provide water to their command from Kaleshwaram Project at a very high cost by lifting water, which in normal course would have been irrigated by gravity. v) GoTS intends to use infrastructure created under Kaleshwaram Project for meeting the requirements of the sanctioned ayacut which has also been explicitly stated by the then Hon’ble Chief Minister of the erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh in January, 2014. vi) To meet the future irrigation, drinking and industrial water needs within the State, it is necessary for the State of Telangana to plan projects based on surplus waters in Godavari. It would be appropriate if GRMB and both the States constructively work towards assessing and apportionment of surplus waters. vii) The seven mentioned projects of Telangana in the letter of GoAP with a utilization of 450 TMC shown as new projects is not correct. All these projects were conceived and planned by the erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh and cannot be termed as projects taken up in violation of APRA, 2014. viii) The definition of new projects is not explicitly stated in the APRA, 2014. The minutes of the review meeting taken by Secretary (WR, RD & GR) on 21st January 2020 at New Delhi has stated what are new projects. The definition that projects with change in allocation, change in scope, absence of TAC clearance etc. are considered as new projects will be taken to Government and DPRs of new projects will be submitted to GRMB after obtaining clearance of the Government of Telangana.

ix) GRMB may consider adopting the shorter process of accounting the project-wise water utilisation accounting in both the States rather than appraisal of the entire DPR, which is a rather lengthy process.

The Administrative Member from GoAP in his opening remarks stated as under.

i) The 75% dependable yield of Godavari basin as allotted by Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) to erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh has been estimated by the erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh as 1480 TMC, which includes contribution from regeneration also. Considering the existing, ongoing, future and new projects taken up by both States, there is hardly any water for projects to be taken up by both States under 75% dependability.

ii) There is no agreement between GoAP and GoTS for sharing of waters of Godavari. The State of AP is the lowest riparian State in Godavari basin and hence all the projects upstream in Telangana State should be controlled and regulated by GRMB.

iii) GoAP has submitted its objections to CWC on the DPRs of Kaleshwaram Project and Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project, as they are detrimental to the projects in Andhra Pradesh. After GoTS started lifting of Godavari waters from Kaleshwaram Project, irrigation in Godavari delta has suffered during the lean period.

iv) GoAP does not dispute the right of Telangana State to use waters of Godavari, but it needs to be ensured that the projects taken up do not negatively impact the water availability in the existing and ongoing projects in Godavari basin in Andhra Pradesh. For this, GoTS should submit DPRs of the new projects to GRMB and CWC for appraisal and sanction by the Apex Council, as provided for in APRA, 2014.

v) The share of the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in Godavari waters, pre-bifurcation and post bifurcation needs to be decided. For this

purpose, allocation of 967.14 TMC of Godavari water for projects of Telangana region by erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh could be a starting point for discussions. He stated that the project-wise break- up of this figure is to be examined, as water may not be actually available against the allocation earmarked due to changes effected in planned utilisation by the new projects.

vi) The old projects are those for which the sanctions are before June 2014. GoAP has no objection to those projects if the project parameters have not been changed after June, 2014. But in case of certain projects of GoTS, sanction was given prior to June, 2014, but water utilisation has undergone significant upward revision. Such projects should be treated as new projects.

vii) As far as the surplus waters of Godavari is considered, in the absence of reservoirs to retain the surplus water, these waters flow within a short period of heavy down pour into the sea. Either State cannot tap it. Being a lower riparian State, whatever GoAP conceptualises will not have any adverse effect on the upper State, while the projects of upper State will have adverse impact on the water availability of lower riparian State. The contention of GoAP is that a neutral body should look into the projects of Telangana so that water availability in lower riparian State is not adversely impacted.

viii) GoAP has already furnished few DPRs to GRMB. It has no problem in supplementing the remaining DPRs to GRMB. The State of Telangana shall submit the DPRs of all new projects to GRMB for appraisal and sanction of Apex Council as stipulated in APRA, 2014.

On a specific query by Member Secretary, both States agreed that the 75% dependable yield from Godavari basin as allotted by Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) to erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh and estimated by the erstwhile combined State is 1480 TMC.

Board members were informed that the CWC Guidelines for submission, appraisal and acceptance of irrigation and multipurpose projectsreleased in the year 2017 and its earlier version in the year 2010 is quite comprehensive in explaining the submission and appraisal process of DPR of new projects. In the Inter-State review meeting held on 21st January, 2020, Secretary (WR, RD & GR) has clearly reiterated and elaborated on the definition of new projects in line with the provisions ofCWC Guidelines.

Chairman, GRMB stated that GoTS, based on their interpretation of new projects, has never submitted the DPRs of new projects taken up by them in Telangana to GRMB for appraisal by GRMB and CWC and sanction by Apex Council under the provisions of APRA, 2014, despite repeated requests by GRMB. GoAP has submitted volumes of DPRs in peacemeal of one or two projects.

In the absence of DPRs, GRMB cannot comprehend the features, objective, allocations, utilizations etc. of the projects taken up by both the States. It is in the interest of both the States to empower the Board and submit the DPRs of all new projects for appraisal by GRMB and sanction by Apex Council as mandated in APRA, 2014.

The list of projects in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, against which objections have been raised by the other State is at Annexure – III. Chairman desired that it would be appropriate to discuss each of these projects mentioned by the two States.

9.2.1 PROJECTS OF TELANGANA STATE

9.2.1.1 Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project

Administrative Member from GoAP stated that Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is a new project taken up by GoTS which should have been appraised by GRMB for its utilisation of 225 TMC. Instead without considering the several objections of GoAP during the year 2017 and 2018, the DPR of the project was accepted by

Advisory Committee of MoWR, RD & GR in June 2018. The project does not have the sanction of the Apex Council.

He further stated that GoTS has increased the utilization from 225 TMC to 450 TMC without appraisal by GRMB and CWC and sanction from Apex Council which is violation of the provision under APRA, 2014. GRMB needs to appraise the DPR and ensure that this project does not negatively impact the availability of water for the existing and ongoing projects in Andhra Pradesh like Polavaram which has been declared as a National Project.

Member from GoTS informed that Secretary (WR, RD & GR) in his email of 26th October, 2017 has stated that Kaleshwaram and Thummidihatti are not new projects and will be considered as continuation of Pranahita Chevala project. Based on CWC observations and considering the inter-State issues with the State of Maharashtra, Govt., of Telangana re-engineered Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Project into two components viz. Kaleshwaram Project and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Pranahita Project (Adilabad). After obtaining all clearances, the project was accepted by TAC for utilisation of water amounting to 225 TMC. GoTS is using Kaleshwaram Project to augment other projects where there is deficiency of inflows.

In light of Clause VII of GWDT Award, Telangana State is fully within its rights to expand the utilisation of Kaleshwaram Project from 225 to 450 TMC upto their allocation of 967.14TMC. When SRSP and Nizamsagar projects have sufficient inflows, lifting of water through Kaleshwaram Project will be reduced. With the completion of headworks and 10 stages of lifts, almost 90% of the works are completed. GoTS plans to provide water for irrigation to 5-6 lakh acres from the project during current water year.

Chairman stated that the DPR of the project has not been submitted by GoTS for appraisal by GRMB and sanction by Apex Council. The Advisory Committee of MoWR, RD & GR accepted the project in its meeting in June 2018. The Email of 26th October 2017 of Secretary (WR, RD & GR) is referring to Kaleshwaram Project only and does not mention of Thummidihatti project.

Chairman further informed that Chief Secretary of Telangana in September, 2019 in response to a VIP reference has conveyed to Secretary (WR, RD & GR), Govt. of India that GoTS is enhancing the lifting capacity of Kaleshwaram Project from 2 TMC to 3 TMC per day. The proposal for enhancement of the capacity of Kaleshwaram Project has not been submitted to GRMB for appraisal.

He stated that as per the provisions of the APRA, 2014, GoTS is required to submit the DPRs of original proposal of diversion and enhancement proposal of lifting capacity from 2 TMC to 3TMC per day to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by the Apex Council.

9.2.1.2 GLIS- Phase-III

Member from GoAP stated that GoTS has issued order to increase the utilisation of water from 38 TMC to 60 TMC from GLIS Phase- I, II & III.

Member from GoTS stated that GLIS Phase-I,II& III are all part of one project located on main Godavari. All the three phases were accepted by the Advisory Committee of MoWR originally in 2007 and later the revised cost estimate in 2010. Further the utilisation proposed is well within allocation of 967.14 TMC and as per Clause VII of the GWDT Award. The works of GLIS Phase-III is in progress while two phases have been completed.

Chairman GRMB requested GoTS to submit the DPR to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

9.2.1.3 Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project

Member from GoAP stated that on the DPR of Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project, GoAP received by them from CWC in the year 2018, GoAP had requested Government of India to redress various issues arising related to Interstate and hydrology aspects to safeguard the interests of the State of Andhra Pradesh. Any clearance to this project cannot be considered as this project is prejudicial to the

interests of the lower riparian State. The DPR of the project should be submitted to GRMB/ CWC for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

Member from GoTS that stated that they have taken up re-engineering of the project with the intention of optimum utilisation and submitted the DPR of Sita Rama Project to CWC for appraisal. He further stated that as per the comments of Hydrology Directorate of CWC, water availability at 75% dependability at project site located on main Godavari is 332 TMC. In light of Clause VII of GWDT Award, Telangana State is fully within its rights to expand the utilisation of Sita Ram Project from 70 to 100 TMC upto their allocation of 967.14TMC. The works are in progress and about 50% of the work is completed.

Chairman informed that the DPR is still under appraisal in CWC and not yet placed before the Advisory Committee of Ministry for consideration. CWC in its recent communication in May 2020 has informed GRMB that it has repeatedly requested GoTS to share the DPR with GRMB.

As provided for in APRA, 2014, GoTS was asked to submit the DPR of the project to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

9.2.1.4 Tupakulagudem project

Member from GoAP requested GRMB that GoTS should submit the DPR of the new project to GRMB for appraisal. GRMB shall ensure that the project do not negatively impact the water availability of projects in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

Member from GoTS informed that initially the scheme was sanctioned in two phases (50 TMC each)for 100 TMC with headworks at Kanthanapally on main Godavari to stabilize the ayacut under SRSP Stage-II. As SRSP Stage II is now proposed to be stabilised with Kaleshwaram Project, proposed utilisation of 100 TMC has been modified to 50 TMC by shifting the headworks to u/s location on main Godavari at Tupakulagudem. 20 TMC of water out of 100 TMC proposed earlier is now proposed to be lifted from JCR LIS at Devadulla. About 90% of the works are completed.

Chairman informed that DPR of neither previous proposal nor present modified proposal has been submitted to GRMB and directed GoTS to submit the DPR for appraisal by GRMB and sanction by the Apex Council.

9.2.1.5 Telangana Drinking Water Supply

Member from GoAP requested GRMB to appraise the DPR so that its adverse effect, if any, on lower riparian state and its projects could be ascertained.

Member from GoTS informed that in erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh, 10% percentage water was allocated to drinking water from all the reservoirs. Within that scope, GoTS has now taken up a combined scheme with 50 TMC utilisation in Phase I and 30 TMC in Phase II. GoTS will not exceed 10% share, otherwise irrigation will be affected. About 85% of the work has been completed.

Chairman asked GoTS that DPR of the project shall be submitted to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

9.2.1.6 Barrages on Lower Penganga river

Member from GoAP stated that GoTS is going ahead with the following barrages without furnishing the DPR to GRMB and sanction of the Apex Council.

a) Rajupet (Bhimkund) b) Chanakha-Korata c) Pimparad-Parsoda

He stated that as the first Inter-State Board was formed between Maharashtra and erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana& Maharashtra) with regard to Godavari basin, Andhra Pradesh may also be consulted. The State of AP should be a part of the agreement between the States of Maharashtra and Telangana as is being done in Tungabhadra Board. Member from GoAP further

informed that State of AP does not have any objection for construction of above projects. However, DPRs should be submitted to GRMB for appraisal.

Member from GoTS informed that the three barrages are governed by the Inter- State agreement between GoTS and Govt. of Maharashtra and is part of an old agreement and their utilisation will be within the allocation of 967.14 TMC of Godavari water to the Telangana State. The Rajupet (Bhimkund) and Pimparad- Parsoda barrages are situated in the State of Maharashtra and construction of these are yet to be started by Govt of Maharashtra. He further stated that the Chanakha- Korata barrage head works located on the river, forming Inter-State border between Maharashtra and Telangana State are almost completed and water will be drawn and used during this water year.

Secretary, WRD, GoAP in the year 2017,in context of agreement between the States of Maharashtra and Telangana for constitution of Inter State Board for Joint Irrigation Projects, had requested Secretary (WR, RD & GR) that while concluding any agreement by the State of Telangana with regard to utilization of Godavari waters, the consent of State of Andhra Pradesh is essential in order to safeguard the interest of lower riparian State. After discussion, GoTS agreed to provide GRMB the copy of the proceedings of the Inter-State Board meeting between the State of Maharashtra and Telangana. Chairman informed that copy of such proceedings of the Inter-State Board meeting between the State of Maharashtra and Telangana received will be shared with the State of AP. This mechanism was agreed to by members from the State of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Chairman asked GoTS that DPR of the project shall be submitted to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

9.2.1.7 Ramappa Lake to Pakhal Lake Diversion:

Member from GoAP stated that the DPR of this project should be appraised by GRMB.

Member from GoTS informed that this diversion scheme is part of GLIS. He stated that the project is intended to divert 3 TMC of water through a 5km long pipeline from Godavari river to Krishna basin. He further stated that the scheme is almost completed and water will be diverted from this water year onwards.

Chairman asked GoTS that DPR of the project should be submitted to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

Conclusion:

The Members from the State of Telangana agreed to submit the DPRs of the above new projects taken up by them on Godavari River for appraisal by GRMB and CWC and for sanction by the Apex Council as stipulated in APRA, 2014. They stated that they would be submitting after obtaining clearance and permission from Government of Telangana.

Chairman, GRMB recalled the directions conveyed by GRMB to GoTS vide letter dated 30th May 2020. He reiterated that since no new projects can be taken up on Godavari river without obtaining sanction from the Apex Council on River Water Resources constituted as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (APRA), 2014, the action of Government of Telangana taking up new projects on Godavari river without its appraisal by GRMB and without sanction from the Apex Council, is violation of Section 84 and para 7 of the Eleventh Schedule of APRA, 2014. Hence, Government of Telangana shall not go ahead with the new projects, till the projects are appraised by GRMB/CWC and sanction of Apex Council is obtained.

9.2.2 PROJECTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

9.2.2.1 Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project

Member from GoTS, stated that there is a clear mandate given by the Tribunal, on diversion of water from Godavari waters to Krishna waters. The acceptance by the Advisory Committee of MoWR for Polavaram project is for 450 TMC for the entire scheme. He stated that the Statement on list of existing projects in AP, attached with

the letter of GoAP dated 14th May 2020, mentions utilisation of 610 TMC from the Polavaram project and Sir Arthur Cotton barrage. Due to the difference in utilisation accepted by TAC and that claimed by State of AP, the DPRs of projects envisaging excess utilisation of 160 TMC needs to shared by GoAP with GRMB for appraisal and sanction by the Apex Council.

Member from GoTS further stated that subsequent to clearance of Polavaram project, Telangana State claims share in quantum of 45 TMC water being diverted from Godavari river to Krishna river. He further stated that this matter was discussed in the 12th meeting of KRMB and it was suggested therein to discuss the matter in the meeting of GRMB, as it pertains to diversion of water from Godavari river. Member from GoTS requested that an advisory in the form of an interim arrangement be given by GRMB to share 45 TMC of water.

Member from GoAP stated that GoAP constructed Pattiseema project to divert 80 TMC of water as per GWDT award from River Godavari to River Krishna through RMC of Polavaram Project for domestic and industrial use, by installing pumps at Pattiseema village on right bank of main Godavari. It was informed that project has been completed and water has been diverted from Godavari to Krishna river in previous water years. He also stated that DPR has already been submitted to GRMB. Regarding sharing of 45 TMC water out of diverted 80 TMC, Member from GoAP stated that the matter is pending before KWDT-II. He stated that due to pendency of matter before KWDT-II and the fact that sharing of 45 TMC actually involves sharing of water u/s of Nagarjuna sagar reservoir, matter is not within the purview of GRMB and need not be discussed here.

Chairman stated that after the transfer of stipulated quantum of water by GWDT from Godavari River to Krishna River, the matter of apportionment of that water rests with KRMB.

Chairman stated that GoAP submitted one volume of DPR of Pattiseema in the year 2015 and after persistent requests the second and third volumes of DPR were submitted in the year 2017. GRMB had made certain observations on the said DPR

which GoAP has not responded till date despite reminders. Chairman asked GoAP to expedite the response to the observations of GRMB on the DPR.

9.2.2.2 Purushothapatnam Lift Irrigation Project

Member from GoAP informed that it constructed the project by installing pumps on left bank of main Godavari d/s of Polavaram dam site to divert water to the reservoir on Yeluru river through LMC of Polavaram Irrigation Project. The water is supplied to an ayacut of 1,47,895 Acre and during contingency for domestic and industrial uses by lifting surplus water from river Godavari during floods until the completion of Polavaram project. The scheme is completed and diversion of water from Godavari to Yeluru river is already taking place. Member from GoAP informed that DPR of the project has already been submitted to GRMB in 2019.

GRMB had made certain observations on the said DPR which GoAP has not responded till date despite reminders. Chairman asked GoAP to expedite the response to the observations of GRMB on the DPR.

9.2.2.3 Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project

Member from GoAP informed that this scheme is located 10 Km downstream of Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project on the right bank of Godavari River near Tadipudi village for lifting of 53.50 TMC of flood waters from River Godavari in 90 days and irrigates 4.80 Lakh acres. It has been taken up in 3 stages and 2 phases in each stage. It proposes to provide drinking water facilities to 21 lakh people in en-route villages and water for industrial use. This project is under construction.

Member from GoTS stated that GoAP should submit the DPR of the project to GRMB for appraisal.

Chairman asked GoAP that DPR of the project should be submitted to GRMB for appraisal and sanction by Apex Council.

9.2.2.4 Interlinking of Godavari and Penna rivers in Phase -1 through Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project and Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project

Member from GoAP stated that GoAP is no longer pursuing this project.

Conclusion:

GoAP has submitted select volumes of DPRs in respect of some new projects. The State of Andhra Pradesh agreed to supplement the remaining DPRs of the new projects taken up on Godavari River for appraisal by GRMB/CWC and for sanction by the Apex Council as stipulated in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Chairman asked both the States to submit the DPRs of all the above new projects to GRMB latest by 10th June, 2020.

Item 9.3- Modernisation of Peddavagu Irrigation Project

Peddavagu Medium Irrigation Project was constructed in the year 1981 across Peddavagu river in Lower Godavari sub-basin at Gummadavalli village in Khammam District to irrigate an ayacut of 16,000 acres. After bifurcation of the erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh, an ayacut of 2360 acres fall in the territory of Telangana State and 13,640 acres in the residual State of Andhra Pradesh, with a total utilisation of 1.46 TMC. As the existing irrigation system is not able to cater the requirements of the command area, WALAMTARI had conducted survey during February and March, 2017, and proposed for modernisation of Peddavagu irrigation project. Since the works could not be taken up for want of clearance of the Government of Telangana, Govt of Andhra Pradesh requested GRMB to resolve the matter directing the State of Telangana to take up the modernisation work of the said project and the cost thereof could be mutually shared as per the benefits accrued from the project or on any other basis agreed upon between the two States. The matter was discussed in the 8th meeting of the Board wherein GoAP was advised to submit the updated proposals to GoTS for consideration.

Member Secretary presented the details on the action taken by the Board and the States after the last Board meeting. After discussions, both States agreed to mutually resolve the issues related to the modernisation of Peddavagu project including cost sharing. Both the States would inform the Board of the action taken towards modernisation of the project.

Item 9.4- Installation of Telemetry System in Godavari Basin

Member Secretary informed that decision on installation of Telemetry System in Godavari Basin initially at all inter-State Border points was taken in the 7th meeting of the Board. Accordingly, GRMB carried out a preliminary internal study on the possible locations and also made a provision of Rs 1.5 cr in the budget estimate for the FY 2020-21. He presented that GRMB proposes to constitute a Committee under the chairmanship of Member, GRMB, comprising of officers drawn from the State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Telangana, CWC, Hyderabad and CWPRS, Pune for identification of suitable sites as well as appropriate equipment for installation, initially at all inter-State border points in Godavari basin.

Board agreed to the proposal of constitution of a Committee for the purpose. The States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana nominated their respective Chief Engineers of Hydrology as members of the aforesaid Committee.

Item 9.5- Administrative and Financial Matters Administrative matters:

Item 9.5.1- Extension of deputation of four officials of GoAP in GRMB. Member Secretary informed the Board that recently, relieving orders of seven officials of WRD, GoAP, who were on deputation to GRMB and whose term expired on 31st May 2020 have been issued as requested by GoAP. As a result, GRMB is left with only four (4) officials (one EE, 2 AEEs and 1 Jr. Asst) on deputation from WRD, GoAP with adequate experience of the affairs of the Board. For continuity of works and smooth functioning of the GRMB, repatriation of all officers of a State at the same time is not desirable. GRMB, therefore proposed that the services of the

following four officials in GRMB, whose term ends by 31st May 2020 may be extended for another one year beyond 31.05.2020.

i) Mr R. Vittal Prasad, EE ii) Mrs T.N. Vara Lakshmi, AEE iii) Mrs Ch. Sri Devi, AEE iv) Mrs K. Radhika, Junior Assistant

It was agreed that transfer of all the officers posted in Board at the same time would greatly hamper the works. After discussion, Administrative Member from GoAP and Special Chief Secretary, WRD, GoAP agreed to the proposal of GRMB for granting extension of one year to the above four officers with effect from 31st May 2020.

Item 9.5.2- Filling up the posts of Electrical Engineers in GRMB

Member Secretary presented that as per GRMB O.M. dated 22.06.2018 on creation of posts in GRMB, three posts are earmarked for Electrical Engineers to assist Expert Member on power matters, one each at the level of Executive Engineer, DEE and AEE. Till date, both the States have not deputed Electrical Engineers to GRMB. Rather, the Civil Engineers deputed by the State Governments in GRMB in the past, have been adjusted against these posts in GRMB.

Administrative Member from Government of Telangana expressed difficulty to provide Electrical Engineers against the above posts. Administrative Member from Government of AP informed that GoAP will depute suitable Electrical Engineers against these posts. It was decided that the post of EE (Electrical) may be filled up either by Electrical or Civil Engineers, depending on availability. The posts of DEE and AEE in future shall be filled up by Electrical Engineers only. At present, all the posts of AEE are filled up by Civil Engineers. Board shall seek officers from both the States for filling the vacancy of DEE (Electrical).

Item 9.5.3- Posting of Shri Venkata Ramana, Executive Engineer (Civil) by Govt. of Telangana to GRMB.

Member Secretary presented before the Board that Govt. of Telangana, in February 2020 issued deputation orders in respect of Shri R. Venkata Ramana, in-charge EE on deputation basis to the post of EE (Civil) in GRMB. However, Shri R. Venkata Ramana was not fulfilling the requisite number of years of experience for the post of Executive Engineer as per Recruitment Rules of GRMB. Further there was no vacancy in the post of EE (Civil) at that time. Instead the post of EE (Electrical) was vacant. The same was conveyed by GRMB to GoTS. Govt. of Telangana requested GRMB to relax the criteria and consider the candidature of Shri R. Venkata Ramana and accept him.

After discussion the Board agreed to give one-time relaxation in the number of years of experience for the appointment of Shri R. VenkataRamana in GRMB and also for adjusting him against the post of EE (Electrical).

Item 9.5.4- Procedure for filling up vacancies in GRMB.

Member Secretary stated that as per AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, the Board shall employ such staff as it may consider necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Act and such staff shall, at the first instance, be appointed on deputation from the successor States in equal proportion and absorbed permanently in the Board. The Board in August, 2017 and later in June, 2018 created the posts in different categories for running the affairs of the Board. Recruitment rules for various posts were framed originally in mid-2017 and later modified in August, 2019. Chairman, GRMB vide letter dated 18.10.2018 has prescribed a procedure for appointing officials in GRMB on deputation basis from both State Governments which is as under. i) Both the State Governments should forward the names of at least two to three prospective candidates for each post along with their Bio-Data which shall include date of birth, educational qualifications, past experience in the cadre of present post.

ii) Along with Bio-Data, no charge pending certificate and annual confidential reports should also be forwarded.

iii) GRMB will scrutinise the eligibility of the candidates as per Recruitment Rules approved by the Board and requirement of the Board.

iv) The concerned officers may be relieved after the consent of GRMB is conveyed to States.

After discussions, Board agreed with the above proposed procedure for appointment of officials by the two States on deputation basis in GRMB.

Item 9.5.5- Financial matters. Item9.5.5.1- Expenditure details of GRMB during FY 2019-20 and audit of the expenditure of the Board.

Member Secretary presented the expenditure details of GRMB during the FY 2019- 20 as well as the details regarding audit carried out of the expenditure of the Board. He informed that the Board had incurred an expenditure of Rs 3,99,27,546/- for the Financial Year 2019-20. He further informed the members that audit of the expenditure of the Board for Financial Years 2014-15 to 2018-19 have been carried out by Indian Audit and Accounts Department, O/o Director General of Audit, Scientific Department, Bangalore. Board approved the expenditure and noted the audit of expenditure carried out.

Item9.5.5.2- Budget Estimate of GRMB approved for the FY: 2020-21.

Member Secretary presented the Budget Estimate amounting to Rs.9.50 cr for GRMB for the financial year 2020-21 which has been approved by the Board through Note circulated to the Board Members vide GRMB file No.20011/1/2018 between 24.12.2019 and 20.01.2020. In this regard he presented the year-wise contribution by the States and expenditure by the Board indicating the position of availability of funds in GRMB. The balance amount available in GRMB Account as on 1st April 2020, for expenditure during the current year is only Rs 1.12 cr. No funds have been received by GRMB during the FY 2019-20. He stated that the pending share due of

the State of AP is of the order of Rs 5.51 cr and that of the State of Telangana is of the order of Rs 4.19 cr, which needs to be immediately released to GRMB.

Both States agreed to provide the due funds to the GRMB account at the earliest possible.

Item 9.6- Power scheduling by APGENCO from Upper and Lower Sileru Hydro Electric Projects.

Member Secretary presented the follow-up action taken by GRMB regarding power scheduling by APGENCO from Upper and Lower Sileru Hydro Electric Projects after the last meeting. In the 8th meeting of the Board, GoAP had sought one month time for conveying their opinion for facilitating consultation with concerned officials of their Government. No opinion of GoAP was received in spite of reminders by GRMB. GRMB thereafter requested the Ministry of Power (MoP) to reconstitute the Committee for resolving issues related to power sector as a result of APRA, 2014. This was followed by a reminder from GRMB to MoP in May 2020. No response has been received from MoP. It was decided that the matter maybe pursued with Ministry of Power.

Item 9.7- Any other Item with the permission of the Chairman.

Item 9.7.1 The issue of furnishing the agenda points for the meeting of Apex Council was discussed. Both States were requested to furnish agenda items for the Apex Council meeting to Ministry of Jal Shakti immediately.

Item 9.7.2 GoTS vide letter dated 4th June 2020 proposed an additional agenda item to GRMB “Incorporation of appropriate safeguards from the back water effect of Polavaram water” for inclusion in the meeting. The agenda with the permission of the Chairman was placed before the Board for discussion. Member from GoTS stated that GRMB may request PPA to critically examine GoTS concerns on impact of submergence on its territory due to PMF of 50 lakh cusecs as per the provision of Bureau of Indian Standards Code. He further stated that a neutral agency like CWPRS may be engaged by PPA to conduct back water studies for 50 lakh cusecs

and to arrive the exact affected areas of Telangana territory and recommend appropriate safeguards including protective embankments as per relevant Bureau of Indian Standards codal provisions. Member from GoAP stated that studies in this regard have already been carried out by CWC and need for further study does not arise.

Chairman opined that the matter prima facie falls under the purview of Polavaram Project Authority. The matter needs to be discussed in the Authority meeting, where both the States are represented. The details of backwater studies already done and need for further studies etc. have to be deliberated and decided by PPA. Board agreed that the matter may be taken up in PPA meeting.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and ended with thanks to the Chair.

******

Annexure-I GODAVARI RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD

th 9 meeting of the Board held on 05th June, 2020

GRMB

Sl. Name of the Official Designation/ Organization No. Shri /Smt. 1 J. Chandrashekhar Iyer Chairman, GRMB in Chair 2 B. P. Pandey Member Secretary, GRMB 3 C. Venkata Subbaiah Member Power, GRMB

Govt. of Andhra Pradesh: 1 Adityanath Das, IAS Spl. Chief Secretary, WRD, GoAP & Administrative Member 2 C. Narayana Reddy Engineer-in-Chief (I),WRD, GoAP & Technical Member

Govt. of Telangana State: 2 Rajat Kumar, IAS Principal Secretary, I & CAD Dept., GoTS & Administrative Member 3 C. Muralidhar Engineer-in-Chief (I), I&CAD Dept., GoTS & Technical Member Other Participants

Govt. of Andhra Pradesh 1 T. Gangadhara Rao Executive Engineer, O/o CE, ISWR, GoAP 2 A. Babu Rao Executive Engineer, O/o ENC(I), GoAP 3 Y.V.S. Reddy Deputy Director, O/o CE, IS&WR, GoAP 4 T. V. S. Prasad Deputy Executive Engineer, WRD, GoAP

Govt. of Telangana State 1 B.K. Nageswara Rao Chief Engineer, ISWR, GoTS 2 S. Narasimha Rao Chief Engineer (Rtd.). ISWR, GoTS 3 G. Shankar Naik Chief Engineer, Hydrology & Investigation 4 B. Nagendra Rao Chief Engineer, Kanthanapally Project, GoTS 5 R. Koteswra Rao Superintending Engineer, ISWR, GoTS 6 R. Jayapal Rao Superintending Engineer, Hydrology, GoTS 7 Mohd. Ajmal Khan Dy. Chief Engineer, ENC(I),GoTS 8 K. Prasad Executive Engineer, O/o ENC(I),GoTS

9 Dilip Kumar Sharma Deputy Executive Engineer, O/o ENC(I),GoTS 10 S. Chander Kumar Assistant Executive Engineer, O/o ENC(I), GoTS III GRMB Officers 1 P. S. Kutiyal Member, GRMB 2 M. Ravi Kuamar Superintending Engineer, GRMB 3 R. Vittal Prasad DDO & Executive Engineer, GRMB 4 G.V.S.Tirupathi Raju Deputy Director (Finance), GRMB 5 G. Karunakar Deputy Executive Engineer, GRMB 6 H.S. Suresh Deputy Executive Engineer, GRMB 7 B. Aruna Jyothi Assistant Director-II, GRMB 8 M. Vijaya Lakshmi Deputy Executive Engineer, GRMB 9 Ch. Sridevi Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 10 T.N. Vara Lakshmi Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 11 N. Swathi Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 12 T. Preethi Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 13 V. Suvarna Kumari Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 14 K. Kartick Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 15 S. Rama Tulasi Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 16 N. Sathish Kumar Assistant Executive Engineer, GRMB 17 U. Bhagya Lakshmi PPS to Chairman, GRMB 18 R. Srinivas Senior Assistant, GRMB 19 K. Radhika Junior Assistant, GRMB

Annexure- II GODAVARI RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD

th Minutes of 8 meeting of the Board held on 09th August, 2019 at Hyderabad

th The 8 meeting of Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) was held under the Chairmanship of Shri R. K. Jain, Chairman, GRMB at Jalasoudha, Hyderabad on 09.08.2019 @15:00 Hrs.

At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members of the Board and other participants from Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP), Government of Telangana State (GoTS) and GRMB.

The list of participants is enclosed as Annexure - 8.1.

Thereafter, the Agenda items were taken up for discussions. The item-wise minutes of discussions held during the meeting are as given below:

Item No. 8.1 Confirmation of Summary Record of Discussions (SRD) of 7th meeting of Godavari River Management Board held on 03.07.2018: On the basis of observations received from GoTS on SRD of 7th meeting of the Board vide their letters dated 04.07.2018, 18.07.2018, 23.08.2018, 15.03.2019 & 08.04.2019 the SRD was revised and the same had been communicated to the Members vide letter dated 12.04.2019 stating that, in case, differences of opinion still existed, the same could be sorted out through internal discussions, instead of further correspondence, before 8th meeting of the Board. However, GoTS conveyed their further observations on the revised SRD of 7th meeting vide their letter dated 03.08.2019. The SRD was, accordingly, further revised and the same was placed before the Board for discussion and confirmation.

The further revised SRD was discussed in the meeting and changes were carried out in items 7.4.2, 7.4.3 & 7.4.5 in the meeting itself duly incorporating the suggestions of the Members of the Board. The Board confirmed the corrected minutes. The SRD of 7th meeting as confirmed by the Board is enclosed as Annexure 8.2.

Item No. 8.2 Financial Matters: 8.2.1 Expenditure details of the Board Secretariat during FY 2018-19: The expenditure details of the Board Secretariat during the FY 2018-19 were placed before the Board for information.

The Member Secretary informed the Board that an expenditure of ₹ 3, 69, 85,714/- has been incurred by the Board Secretariat for the FY 2018-19 and provided the details of the expenditure. The same is enclosed as Annexure 8.3. The Board took note of the same.

8.2.2 GRMB Budget Estimate for FY 2019-20 (approved by the Board through circulatory note): The Budget Estimate for FY 2019-20 amounting to ₹ 7.00 Cr approved by the Board on 17.01.2019 through circulatory note was placed before the Board along with availability of funds with GRMB Secretariat and year-wise contribution of funds by each State. Member Secretary informed that the amount available with the Board Secretariat at the starting of the current FY i.e. 2019-20 is ₹6.037 Cr as against the approved Budget of ₹ 7.00 Cr for FY 2019-20. Taking into contributions made by each State so far, an amount of ₹ 1.32 Cr needs to be provided by Govt. of Andhra Pradesh in order to make the contributions from both the States equal.

The Member from GoAP informed that the process of depositing an amount of ₹ 1.16 Cr into the Board’s bank account has been initiated and assured that the said amount will be deposited within a month. After deposit of this amount in the Bank account of Board Secretariat by GoAP, the Board Secretariat will be able to meet the fund requirement for the year 2019-20 as per approved budget. However, even after deposit of above amount by GoAP, there will be shortfall of their share of ₹0.16 Cr.

8.2.3. Delegation of Financial powers to Member Secretary: The Chairman, GRMB delegated financial powers to Member Secretary to an extent of ₹.10.00 lakh in each case as per the decision taken under Resolution 2 of 3rd meeting of the Board. In the present scenario, the gross salaries of the officials working in GRMB are exceeding ₹.10.00 lakh. Hence, there is need to revise the financial powers of the Member Secretary to avoid seeking approval of the Chairman of the Board even for payment of the salaries.

It was, therefore, proposed to enhance financial powers to Member Secretary from the existing ₹ 10.00 lakh to ₹ 20.00 lakh in each case. It was also proposed to empower the Chairman to delegate financial powers to Member Secretary or any other officer as per requirement. The Board, after due deliberations, approved the proposals.

Item No. 8.3 Administrative Matters: 8.3.1 GRMB Working Manual - 2017 (Item no. 6.4 of SRD of 6th meeting of the Board): In the SRD of the 6th meeting of the Board circulated vide letter no. F-19011/1/2017- Admin/2038-2045 dated 15.12.2017, it was recorded in para 6.4 that: ‘’Member Secretary presented the Agenda item and explained provisions made in the draft Working Manual, observations of Government of Telangana and remarks of GRMB.

After detailed deliberations, the Working Manual was approved with following modifications:

i) Para 3(a) of draft Working Manual shall be modified as “An Officer of the level of Additional Secretary to the Government of India from the Central Water Engineering (Group ‘A’) Service”. ii) In Para 22 under Joint responsibilities of State Governments and Board Secretariat, the following sub-para shall be added: “(iv) Security and safety of irrigation/ water resources infrastructure under control of the Board when notified by the Central Government.”

iii) Para 5.1(x) Following provison will be added:

“Provided that there shall be consensus for resorting to voting.”

iv) Para 12 shall be modified as “The nominated officers from the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana shall represent their respective States as Members of the Board. They shall extend full cooperation in close coordination with Member Secretary in the conduct of Board meeting, confirmation of minutes of the meeting and implementation of decisions taken in the Board meeting. They shall also furnish the information/ data as required by the Board Secretariat promptly”.

v) Para 13: The word "Chief Engineer" wherever it appears in the Working Manual shall be replaced with "Member". Similarly, the word “Member (Power) shall be replaced by “Expert Member”. ‘’

However, after receiving the minutes, Members from GoTS communicated that the Working Manual should not be considered as approved (as recorded in SRD of 6th meeting above) as they had some more observations which needed to be incorporated in the Working Manual. Accordingly, in the SRD of 7th meeting of the Board, the para pertaining to confirmation of the SRD of 6th meeting was modified as below and the SRD of 7th meeting has been confirmed with this modification:

“Member Secretary informed that certain observations were received from GoAP, which are in the nature of compliance to the decision taken in 6th Board meeting. No comments were received from GoTS & other Members, before the meeting. However, during the meeting, Member of GoTS informed that GoTS is communicating its views on approval of Working Manual shortly and confirmation of Summary Record of Discussion of 6th meeting of the Board are subject to this communication.

Hence, the Summary Record of Discussions of 6th Board meeting was confirmed except Para 6.4 which pertain to approval of Working Manual of GRMB.”

In view of the above, the para 6.4 of SRD of 6th meeting of the Board pertaining to approval of Working Manual of the Board has become null and void. In the meanwhile, the Board Secretariat prepared a modified draft of the Working Manual keeping in view the observations of GoTS in consultation with officials of KRMB Secretariat to maintain similarities between Working Manuals of the two Boards and placed the same before the Board for approval. Members from both the State Governments suggested that the Working Manual may be taken up in a separate combined meeting of both the Boards as it requires detailed deliberations.

The Board agreed to take up the matter in a separate combined meeting of both the Boards.

8.3.2 Payment of leave salary to the State Government employees based on the recommendation for sanction of leave by controlling officer in GRMB subject to balance of leave, before formal sanction of leave by GoAP/ GoTS (Admin):

Member Secretary informed that sanction of leaves like EL, HPL, Child Care Leave, Special Leaves of the employees working in GRMB on deputation are dealt with by their respective HoDs / Unit Officers in the respective State Governments. Sometimes inordinate delay is being experienced in receiving leave sanctions. To avoid hardship to the employees on account of late sanction of leave, the leave salary is being paid to the deputationists availing leave based on the recommendation for sanction of leave by controlling officer in GRMB without waiting for the formal sanction from the State Governments. This procedure although, in contravention with procedure in the State Governments, is similar to the procedure being followed in Central Government. At the time of relieving on repatriation to the respective State Governments, a statement of leaves still remaining unsanctioned as on date of relieving may be communicated by the Board by mentioning the same in the relieving order itself, so that there is no communication gap. He proposed that the above procedure being followed by the Board Secretariat may be ratified by the Board.

After due deliberations, it was decided that the Board Secretariat should submit the proposal by a letter to both the State Governments in this regard so that a considered view can be taken by them on the same.

8.3.3 Implementation of ‘GRMB Recruitment Rules – 2017’ while posting of officials in GRMB and relaxation of age limit as per RR for DEE posted in GRMB for one year and ratification by the Board: (i) Member Secretary informed that Government of Telangana posted Shri H. S. Suresh, DEE in GRMB on deputation vide their letter dated 05.09.2018. However, as the age limit of the DEE was not in accordance with the age norm (50 years) stipulated in the GRMB Recruitment Rules-2017, the Engineer-in-Chief (Admin), I&CAD Dept., GoTS was requested to post a suitable alternate official in accordance with the Recruitment Rules vide letter dated 26.09.2018. However, the Engineer-in- Chief (I) informed vide his letter dated 28.09.2018 that there is a dearth of experienced DEEs in the domain of Interstate & Hydrology related aspects and suggested that initially the restriction of the age of 50 years needs to be relaxed until the strengthening of the DEEs staff in GRMB from I & CAD Department and requested to continue the services of Shri H. S. Suresh, DEE.

GRMB vide its letter dated 04.10.2018 communicated to GoTS that it has acceded the request of Engineer-in-Chief (I) to continue the services of Shri H. S. Suresh, D.E.E subject to ratification by the Board in its next meeting. Accordingly, the same was placed before the Board for ratification.

The Board ratified the same.

(ii) Member Secretary informed that GoTS vide their letter dated 08.04.2019 has proposed some modifications in GRMB Recruitment Rules-2017 as below: • The initial period of deputation in respect of all cadres may be reduced to 02 years instead 03 years. • The minimum experience in relevant field for the post of Executive Engineer may be reduced to 03 years, instead of 06 years, as not many Executive Engineers are having six years experience. • Prescribing maximum age criteria may be dispensed with. However, Engineers having less than one year of service for retirement may be restricted from deputation to Board. • The clause “The Recruitment Rules may be reviewed by the full Board from time to time as and when required” may be included in the GRMB Recruitment Rules – 2017 for any further issues arising with can be resolved with the approval of the Board.

The above proposal sent by GoTS was placed before the Board for deliberations and decision.

After deliberations, it was decided to make following changes in the GRMB Recruitment Rules, 2017: (a) The initial period of deputation for the State Governments staff in GRMB shall be two (2) years, extendable by two (2) more years on the request of Board Secretariat. (b) The minimum experience in relevant field for the post of Executive Engineer may be reduced to 03 years, instead of 06 years. (c) The minimum left-over service till superannuation shall be at least one year as on date of joining in GRMB. (d) The clause “The Recruitment Rules may be reviewed by the Board from time to time as per requirement” may be included in Recruitment Rules.

The Recruitment Rules will be called “Revised GRMB Recruitment Rules-2019” after above modifications.

The Revised GRMB Recruitment Rules-2019 as per decision taken in the Board are enclosed at Annexure - 8.4.

(iii) The Member Secretary informed that the Recruitment Rules for the level of Superintending Engineer (SE) had not been prescribed in the GRMB Recruitment Rules-2017, as it was proposed to fill up the SE level posts by deputation from the Central Government. However, as the Central Government did not accept the above proposal, the post of SE is also being filled up by deputation from the State Governments in accordance with the decision taken in the 6th meeting of the Board. The Member Secretary, therefore, proposed to include Recruitment Rules for the post of SE also in GRMB Recruitment Rules-2017. The same was approved by the

Board. The Recruitment Rules for the post of SE as approved by the Board is Annexed at 8.5.

8.3.4 Posting of Financial Officer in GRMB: The post of financial officer, presently lying vacant since 01.03.2019, needs to be filled up on priority to look after financial matters in GRMB Secretariat. Member Secretary informed that the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, vide their letter dated 18.03.2019, requested that the issue of posting of Director level officer to the post of Financial Officer in GRMB from the cadre of Works Accounts Dept. from Government of Andhra Pradesh may be included in the Agenda of the next meeting of the Board. However, it was conveyed to them by the Board Secretariat that it would be desirable to have the option of posting a financial officer at the level of the Director/ Additional Director/ Joint Director/ Deputy Director as per availability, as it may not always be possible to provide financial officer at the level of Director, which is a senior level post.

The Member Secretary further informed that Shri G.V.S. Tirupathi Raju, Deputy Director of Treasuries and Accounts Dept., GoAP requested the Chairman, GRMB to consider his candidature for posting as Deputy Director (Finance) in GRMB on deputation. GRMB Secretariat, vide letter dated 21.06.2019, conveyed the willingness of Shri Tirupathi Raju as well as no objection for accepting his services to the Secretary (R&E), Finance Dept., GoAP for necessary action from their end under intimation to Spl. Chief Secretary, WRD, GoAP and Govt. of Telangana also.

The above matter was placed before the Board for information.

Item No. 8.4 Technical Points: 8.4.1 List of approved projects by State Governments in Godavari Basin along with copies of approvals: The Member, GRMB Secretariat informed that TAC notes of 32 projects (10 major and 22 medium) in Godavari basin pertaining to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been received from CWC. List of these projects is enclosed at Annexure 8.6. Officials of both the States were requested during 7th meeting to furnish the details of completed and on-going projects along with approvals of the competent authority, whatever is available with them. (Please refer to para 7.4.3 of the finally confirmed SRD of 7th meeting of the Board). Both the States were again requested to furnish these details.

Members of both the States agreed to provide the above details within three (3) months i.e. latest by 9th November, 2019. The Chairman directed the Member to continue to pursue the matter with the State Government officials and remind them about this decision from time to time so as to ensure that the details are obtained from the States by the stipulated date.

8.4.2 Power Scheduling by APGENCO from Upper and Lower Sileru Hydroelectric Projects: After dissolution of the Committee (constituted vide Ministry of Power (MoP) letter dated 03.01.2018 for resolving issues related to power sector as a result of APRA, 2014), Telangana requested Ministry of Power to re-constitute the Committee duly involving GRMB in the Committee. GRMB Secretariat was also requested to take up the matter with the MoP. Opinion of Member from Andhra Pradesh was sought in this regard by Chairman, GRMB for initiating the matter again. Engineer-in-Chief (I), WRD & Member, Andhra Pradesh sought time of one month for conveying their opinion for facilitating consultation with the concerned officials of their Government. Chairman, GRMB requested him to send response of GoAP within a month i.e. latest by 9th September, 2019, failing which it will be presumed that GoAP does not have any objection on re-constitution of the Committee and the matter will be taken up with the MoP for further necessary action accordingly.

Item No. 8.5 New Agenda Items proposed by GoTS: 8.5.1 Middle Kolab Multi-Purpose Project (Odisha): After technical clearance to Middle Kolab Multi Purpose Project by GRMB, GoTS requested GRMB to furnish information regarding flow data and the proposed monitoring mechanism by GRMB, for assuring the flows downstream on Indravathi river side for success of the projects taken up by States of Telagnana and Chattisgarh. Although, GRMB Secretariat tried to obtain the information / data as desired by GoTS, but the same is not forthcoming from Govt. of Odisha. However, the project is yet to be cleared by TAC. The Chairman, therefore, suggested that GoTS may take up the matter with CWC for consideration of their concerns before clearance of the project by TAC. The same was agreed by GoTS.

8.5.2: Interlinking of Godavari and Pennar rivers in Phase-I through pumps being installed at Chintalapudi LIS and pumps installed at Pattiseema LIS: GoTS on 28.08.2018 had requested GRMB to instruct the State of Andhra Pradesh not to proceed further in execution of the above Interlinking projects, before finalising the share of Telangana in the surplus waters of Godavari River as the diversion of flood waters/remaining waters from Godavari river affects the rights and interests of Telangana State over the remaining waters in River Godavari.

Members of both the States informed that they are trying to resolve the issue mutually. In view of this, the matter was not discussed in the meeting.

8.5.3: Incorporation of appropriate safeguards from the back water effect of Polavaram water: GRMB has been requested by GoTS through their letter dated 15.03.2019 to address Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) to incorporate appropriate safeguards from the back water effect of Polavaram Project because of peculiar features of Polavaram project i.e. high dead storage, successive floods, location of prominent/ historic places in the upstream areas of Telangana State. The PPA may also be requested to

assess the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) afresh with latest data along with comprehensive back water studies with this PMF by a neutral agency like CWPRS, Pune. Further to the above study, for getting the accurate cross sections, entire Lidar based comprehensive study may be taken up. It will help in transparency and accuracy of inputs.

The chairman opined that since matter is sub-judice in court of law, it was not appropriate to discuss the same in the meeting. However, Member from GoAP mentioned that protection measures being taken by GoAP will be shared by them with GoTS. It was also decided on the request of GoTS officials that the back water study done by CWC will be made available by PPA to GoTS.

8.6.1 New Projects taken up by the State of Telangana in violation of A.P. Reorganization Act (APRA) 2014. The Govt. of A.P. had informed the Board Secretariat that the State of Telangana is unilaterally proceeding with the construction of the following new projects envisaging utilization to the extent of 451.31 TMC without approval of GRMB, CWC and the Apex Council as per Section 84(3)(ii) and 85(8)(d) of A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014: (1) Kaleshwaram LIS =225 TMC (2) GLIS Phase III =22 TMC (3) Sita Rama LIS =70 TMC (4) Tupakulagudem = 100 TMC (5) Telangana Drinking Water Supply Project (TDWSP) =23.76 TMC (6) Barrages on Lower Penganga River (a) Rajupet (Bhimkund) =0.35 TMC (b) Chanaka-Korata = 5 TMC (c) Pimparad –Parsoda =1.2 TMC (7) Rammappa lake to Pakhal lake diversion = 4 TMC

They had further stated that these projects have not been cleared by the MoWR prior to the Reorganisation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. The above projects have neither been allocated any quantity of water by any Tribunal nor agreed by the riparian State of Andhra Pradesh by any inter-State agreement.

It was decided that GoTS will provide details of above projects to GRMB Secretariat so that the same could be discussed in next meeting of the Board.

8.6.2: Modernization of Peddavagu Project: Govt. of Andhra Pradesh had informed the GRMB Secretariat that Peddavagu Medium Irrigation Project was constructed in the year 1991 across river Peddavagu in Lower Godavari to irrigate an ayacut of 16,000 acres. After bifurcation of the State of Andhra Pradesh, 2360 acres fall in the territory of Telangana State and 13,640 acres in the present State of Andhra Pradesh. These areas are being irrigated by the supplies from Peddavagu Reservoir with a total utilization of 1.46 TMC. It has been proposed by GoAP to take up modernization of Peddavagu project as the existing irrigation system is not able to cater the requirements of the command area. The

works could not be taken up for want of clearance of the Government of Telangana. The ENC (I), GoTS advised that updated proposals may be furnished to GoTS for its response in the matter. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere and ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair. *********

Annexure -III

LIST OF PROJECTS

A. Projects in Telangana State as informed by Govt. of Andhra Pradesh

1. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme

2. GLIS Phase- III

3. Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Scheme

4. Tupakulagudem

5. Telangana Drinking Water Supply Project

6. Barrages on Lower Penganga river

a) Rajupet (Bhimkund) b) Chanakha-Korata c) Pimparad-Parsoda

7. Ramappa Lake to Pakhal Lake Diversion

B. Projects in State of Andhra Pradesh as informed by Govt. of Telangana State

1. Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme

2. Purushothapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme

3. Chintalpudi Lift Irrigation Scheme

4. Inter-Linking of Godavari and Penna in Phase-1 through Chintalpudi Lift Irrigation Scheme and Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme