Tue Jun 17 21:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment met to discuss the environmental clearance for Andhra Pradesh’s Godavari-Banakacherla Project. The Andhra Pradesh government views this meeting as a crucial step in the project’s approval process, where the committee is evaluating the potential environmental impact based on the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). However, Telangana has strongly objected to the project, claiming it infringes upon their water rights by diverting Godavari waters to the Krishna basin without their consent. Telangana has urged the EAC to reject the project.

**News Article:**

**Godavari-Banakacherla Project Faces Scrutiny as Telangana Voices Strong Objections**

**Vijayawada, June 18, 2025** – The Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment convened on Tuesday, June 17th, to review the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposal for the Godavari-Banakacherla Project. The meeting, conducted virtually from New Delhi and led by Professor Chakrapani, marks a pivotal moment in the project’s quest for environmental clearance.

Water Resources Department officials in Andhra Pradesh consider the EAC’s assessment of the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) a significant milestone. The committee is currently evaluating the potential environmental consequences of diverting Godavari waters to the Krishna basin. Subsequent permissions hinge on the EAC’s findings and report.

However, the project faces significant hurdles as the Telangana government has lodged strong objections. Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has written to the EAC, urging them to reject the project outright. He alleges that Andhra Pradesh is proceeding without the necessary consent or notification to Telangana, potentially violating Telangana’s rightful claim to the Godavari’s waters.

Reddy’s letter emphasizes the detrimental impact the diversion could have on Telangana’s water resources. He argues that granting environmental clearance to the Banakacherla Project would set a dangerous precedent and disregard established inter-state water sharing agreements.

The EAC’s decision, following a thorough evaluation of the environmental impact and consideration of Telangana’s objections, will determine the future of the Godavari-Banakacherla Project. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared at a later stage, contingent on the EAC’s initial assessment.

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