# India inter‑state water project reviews

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-interstate-water-project-reviews
> Updated: 2026-08-06T17:47:17.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In late July and early August 2026, India’s central ministries have been sending back major inter‑state river infrastructure proposals for further scrutiny. The Ministry of Jal Shakti returned the Detailed Project Report for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir‑cum‑Drinking Water Project to Karnataka, asking for revisions that comply with the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal award, Supreme Court rulings and existing CWC guidelines. A week later, the Union Environment Ministry sent the Polavaram‑Banakacherla Link Project proposal back to Andhra Pradesh, directing a review of its compliance with the 1980 Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal award and safeguarding Telangana’s water rights. Both actions underscore heightened central oversight of inter‑state water projects and the enforcement of tribunal‑based water‑sharing agreements.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: India's Centre Returns Polavaram‑Banakacherla Project Proposal for Review

India's centre returned the Polavaram‑Banakacherla project proposal for environmental review, citing possible violations of the Godavari water award; Telangana praised the move, while Andhra Pradesh plans to re

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indias-centre-returns-polavarambanakacherla-project-proposal-for-review

### 2026-07-31: India Returns Mekedatu Project Report to Karnataka, Requests Revision

India's central government returned the Mekedatu project DPR to Karnataka, urging a revision to meet the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal award after concerns from Tamil Nadu and farmers.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-returns-mekedatu-project-report-to-karnataka-requests-revision

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Cite as: India inter‑state water project reviews. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-interstate-water-project-reviews