Hyderabad: BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao on Wednesday accused the Telangana government of failing to protect the State’s Godavari water rights ahead of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) meeting scheduled in Hyderabad on August 18.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, Harish Rao said Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had prepared separate agendas for the meeting. However, he alleged that the Telangana government had remained silent even after officials circulated the agenda.
He claimed Andhra Pradesh had included several proposals that threatened Telangana’s irrigation projects and long-term water security. Further, he questioned why the State government had not responded publicly.
Godavari water rights dominate GRMB agenda
Harish Rao alleged that Andhra Pradesh wanted the GRMB to review approvals for seven Telangana irrigation projects. He named the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, Choutuppal Hanumantha Rao Project, Chinna Kaleshwaram, Chanaka-Korata, Modikunta Vagu, Kadem Gudem Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme.
He also claimed Andhra Pradesh wanted the GRMB to reconsider the approval for the Sammakka Barrage. Accordingly, he questioned why the board had included such proposals in its agenda.
Harish Rao said the competent authorities had already scrutinised and approved those projects. He argued that Telangana had secured approvals to utilise 383 TMC of Godavari waters. Meanwhile, he alleged that the Congress government had not secured approval for a single new irrigation project after assuming office.
He further claimed authorities had returned the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Sammakka project. They had also returned the DPRs for the Palamuru and Wardha projects during the present government’s tenure. He alleged that the government had failed to secure approvals for additional water allocations.
Harish Rao questioned whether the government would allow the Centre to dilute or withdraw approvals secured during the previous BRS administration. Finally, he said Telangana should not compromise its irrigation future. He described the GRMB agenda as unacceptable.