2,000–3,000 TMC Of Godavari Water Wasted Annually: Somireddy Calls For Telugu States’ Unity
Addressing the media here, Somireddy criticised BRS leaders for making provocative remarks on inter-state water sharing, stating that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, even after bifurcation, remain bound together “like brothers”: Reports
NELLORE: TD senior leader and Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy on Sunday said that 2,000 to 3,000 TMC of Godavari water flows into the sea every year, asserting that disputes over the utilisation of surplus water are unnecessary and counterproductive.
Addressing the media here, Somireddy criticised BRS leaders for making provocative remarks on inter-state water sharing, stating that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, even after bifurcation, remain bound together “like brothers”.
He said repeated attempts to create sentiment by alleging that Andhra Pradesh was “stealing Telangana’s water” had been rejected by the public. Questioning the strong opposition to the proposed 200 tmc Banakacharla project, Somireddy asked why objections were raised when such vast quantities of water were otherwise going waste.
Taking exception to former minister Harish Rao’s statement that Andhra Pradesh would not be allowed to use “even a drop” of water, Somireddy said water should never be politicised. “We believe no one should die of thirst, even an enemy nation,” he remarked.
Recalling earlier remarks by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, Somireddy said KCR had once stated that he and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would jointly utilise surplus waters to transform Rayalaseema into ‘Ratnala Seema’. He said he was only reminding BRS leaders of their own past stand.
Somireddy expressed hope that Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy would avoid statements opposing Andhra Pradesh’s use of surplus water. He clarified that Andhra Pradesh would proceed with the Banakacharla project only after securing all statutory clearances, while alleging that several irrigation projects in Telangana were taken up without approvals.
Calling for cooperation, he urged the irrigation ministers of both states to meet in Delhi, Hyderabad or Amaravati to discuss surplus water utilisation. He also warned that Karnataka’s proposal to increase the height of the Almatti dam could pose risks to both Telugu states and called for a united stand against it.
He concluded by stressing that water disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consensus, keeping the larger interests of Telugu people in mind.
