Amaravati: The Centre has returned the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposal for the Rs 81,900-crore Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, directing the state to first address inter-state water issues and obtain the necessary clearances before the proposal can proceed further. The minister said the proposal was returned following the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which examined the project during its meeting on June 17. According to the Centre, complaints had been received alleging that the proposed project violates the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (1980) Award. The EAC, therefore, recommended that the Andhra Pradesh government obtain all necessary approvals, clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before submitting the proposal again for environmental appraisal. The proposal, however, has drawn strong objections from the Telangana government, which contends that the project violates the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award and could adversely affect Telangana’s water interests.