An expert appraisal committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has sought additional information for issuing terms of reference for the appraisal of Sitammasagar multi-purpose project for generating 320 (8×40) megawatt hydro-electric power as part of the process for environmental clearance.
The project has been proposed by the Irrigation Department near Ammagaripalli in Aswapuram mandal of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district as part of the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Scheme taken up for irrigating 2.73 lakh hectares. The Ministry has already issued environmental clearance to Sita Rama project in January 2019 but it has no mention of hydel generation.
According to the proposal, Sitammasagar is planned in 3,122.38 acres including 2,104.55 acres patta land, 115.62 acres ex-gratia (assigned) land and 902.25 acres government land, besides 322.98 acres of forest land for construction of a barrage across Godavari for 1,263 meters length with 65 vents including 53 for the spillway and 12 for sluice.
