Telangana, Andhra Chiefs to Discuss Water Disputes in Key Meeting

Hyderabad, July 15 (PTI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu are set to participate in a Centre-facilitated meeting on water issues on June 16, according to sources from the Telangana government.

The Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil has taken the initiative to organize this crucial meeting.

The Telangana government plans to urge the Centre for approvals and funding for its long-standing projects.

When asked about the potential discussion on the Polavaram (Godavari)-Banakacharla river-linking project proposed by Andhra Pradesh, the sources indicated that Telangana would prioritize securing approval for its pending projects first.

Previously, the Telangana government had objected to Andhra's Banakacharla river-linking project, stating that it negatively affects Telangana's interests.

The Telangana government on Monday resolved to intensify efforts and "mount pressure" on the Centre to ensure its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari river waters.

The state plans to push for central approvals for its Krishna River projects, seek finalization of water allocations, and request financial support for these initiatives.

CM Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to take action to protect the state's interests in Godavari river water and to find "permanent solutions" to "years of neglect," according to a state government release on Monday.

The state government criticized the former BRS regime for "failing" to obtain the state's share in Krishna waters despite being in power for a decade.

The BRS government had assented to Telangana receiving 299 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water as its share, while neighboring Andhra Pradesh was allocated 512 TMC, it stated.

The release also alleged that the BRS government remained passive as Andhra diverted Krishna water and executed "illegal" projects.

Naidu previously explained that the Polavaram (Godavari)-Banakacharla project is intended to channel surplus Godavari waters to the drought-stricken areas of Andhra.

He assured that Telangana need not be concerned, as only the excess water from the Godavari river, which would otherwise flow into the sea, will be utilized.

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