The Human Rights Forum condemned the project as “a corporate land and water grab” and argued that PSPs damage ecosystems, deplete water resources, and violate protections under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
Published Aug 12, 2025 | 3:52 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 12, 2025 | 3:52 PM
The PSP proposes to divert water from the Sarada river’s catchment, which is crucial for the Raiwada reservoir’s 15,344-acre ayacut and for supplying drinking water to Visakhapatnam.
Synopsis: The Human Rights Forum has demanded the Andhra Pradesh government cancel all permissions for Adani Energy Hydro One Ltd’s proposed 900 MW pumped storage hydro power project at Raiwada, citing threats to local ecosystems and Adivasi communities.
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has called on the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance government in Andhra Pradesh for the immediate cancellation of all permissions granted to Adani Energy Hydro One Ltd for its proposed 900 MW open loop pumped storage hydro power project (PSP) at Raiwada, spanning Devarapalli and Vepada mandals in Anakapalli and Vizianagaram districts.
The HRF has also demanded that the government scrap GO 51, dated 30 June 2025, which increased the project’s capacity from 600 MW to 900 MW and raised water allocation from 9 million to 23 million cubic metres.
The organisation condemned the project as “a corporate land and water grab” and argued that PSPs damage ecosystems, deplete water resources, and violate protections under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. Local Adivasis have resisted surveys and staged protests opposing the project.
The PSP proposes to divert water from the Sarada river’s catchment, which is crucial for the Raiwada reservoir’s 15,344-acre ayacut and for supplying drinking water to Visakhapatnam. HRF warned that this diversion would put agriculture and livelihoods in 44 villages at risk.
According to the organisation, the project requires the acquisition of 549 acres in Chintalapudi panchayat and 213.8 acres in Marika village. This would displace Adivasi households, including 27 Kondh (PVTG) families, and result in the destruction of fertile farmland and part of Marika’s reserve forest.
An HRF fact-finding team visited the affected villages on 26 July and 6 August 2025, and spoke to Adivasi communities whose lands, forests, and water sources are under threat.
HRF also urged the government to cancel similar PSP proposals in Yerravaram and Pedakota, and to respect Adivasi rights and constitutional safeguards.
