In a significant meeting led by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) and Revanth Reddy (Telangana) gathered at Shramshakti Bhavan in Delhi to confront long-standing water-sharing conflicts between their states. The discussion culminated in the establishment of a committee comprised of senior irrigation officials and technical experts tasked with addressing issues surrounding the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
Revanth Reddy characterized the committee's formation as a pivotal move toward securing enduring resolutions to the water disputes. He noted that the contentious Godavari-Banakacherla link project proposed by Andhra Pradesh was not addressed during the meeting, despite Telangana's concerns over its possible implications on the state's water entitlements.
Telemetry System to Monitor Water Usage
Revanth Reddy outlined four major outcomes from the crucial meeting - the creation of the committee, the implementation of telemetry systems to monitor water usage in the Krishna River, mutual agreement on repairs to the Srisailam Dam, and the decision to place the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) office in Hyderabad while the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) would be headquartered in Amaravati. He stressed that, while these agreements are not legally binding, both states must uphold them.
BRS Questions Revanth on ‘Secrete Deal’ with Babu
In contrast, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) vehemently challenged Revanth Reddy's assertions, accusing him of endangering Telangana’s water rights. BRS leaders K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao called for Reddy to apologize, alleging that he consented to the committee's formation after previously stating he would boycott any discussions involving the Banakacherla project. They pointed to comments made by Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, who claimed that the project was indeed part of the meeting's agenda, contrary to Reddy's claims. Harish Rao accused Revanth Reddy of sacrificing Telangana's water interests for political gain, labelling it a betrayal of the state's public and farmers. He warned that any unauthorized transfer of water to Andhra Pradesh could incite a renewed movement in Telangana.
Harish Rao further claimed that Revanth Reddy's administration is functioning as a "puppet regime" under the influence of the BJP and TDP, alleging that 65 TMC ft. of water was transferred to Andhra Pradesh without due diligence. He condemned Revanth Reddy for attending the meeting after previously threatening to abstain should the Banakacherla project arise, questioning any undisclosed agreements made during late-night discussions in Delhi. Harish Rao also criticized Telangana CM for neglecting essential irrigation infrastructure projects like Peddavagu, Sunkishala, SLBC, and Jurala, which he argued have set back Telangana's irrigation initiatives substantially.
Inter-State Water Disputes - Revanth Blames KCR
In response, Revanth Reddy accused the former BRS government led by K. Chandrashekar Rao of compromising Telangana’s rightful water entitlements in favour of Andhra Pradesh. He asserted that his government is committed to correcting historical injustices and fighting for Telangana’s fair share, specifically aiming for a 71% allocation (575 TMC) of the 811 TMC previously designated to undivided Andhra Pradesh, based on basin parameters. He reiterated Telangana's opposition to the Banakacherla project, indicating that formal grievances have been submitted to the Central Water Commission, the Polavaram Authority, and GRMB.
Committee to Play Crucial Role
The meeting, which included Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, and senior officials from both states, was described as cordial. The newly formed committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive report within a month, addressing ongoing and proposed initiatives in both river basins. Any outstanding issues will be escalated for further discussions between the chief ministers.
As tensions linger, the BRS has pledged to unify stakeholders to safeguard Telangana’s water rights, with leaders threatening protests should the state's interests be further compromised. The results of the committee’s findings will play a crucial role in determining the future of water-sharing arrangements between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.