CM Naidu Asserts There Will Be No Compromise on Water Issues
In contrast, he accused the YSRC government of halting the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project in 2020 for selfish political reasons. He accused the previous government of raising Rs 900-crore bills merely for earthworks at Pattiseema.
Vijayawada: AP Chief Minister and Telugu Desam supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday cautioned that disputes over water sharing would ultimately harm the Telugu people.
“Cooperation between the two Telugu states is essential for shared prosperity. “Is it wrong to work towards ensuring that both states do well,” the CM asked, stressing that optimal utilisation of surplus waters will make both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana prosperous.
During an informal interaction with media at the Telugu Desam Party headquarters, Naidu warned against inter-state water disputes. If such conflicts escalate, Telugu people will suffer the most. “It is not a fault to ensure the welfare of both the Telugu states,” he maintained.
Stressing that AP’s interests are paramount, the Chief Minister asserted that there would be no compromise on water issues. He underlined that the state government is moving ahead with a comprehensive plan to ensure there is no water scarcity over the next two years.
Efficient water management has led to a boom in horticulture in Rayalaseema, propelling Andhra Pradesh to the top position nationally in the horticulture sector, he maintained. Highlighting the Pattiseema project as proof of his government’s commitment to Rayalaseema, Naidu said the project has significantly expanded horticultural cultivation.
In contrast, he accused the YSRC government of halting the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project in 2020 for selfish political reasons. He accused the previous government of raising Rs 900-crore bills merely for earthworks at Pattiseema.
In a scathing attack on the YSRC chief, the CM accused Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy of lacking even the basic understanding of river management concepts. He observed that Jagan Mohan Reddy cannot differentiate between a riverbed and a riverfront.
Making a series of sharp comments against the former chief minister, Naidu accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of betraying Rayalaseema’s interests. He pointed out that many of the world’s great civilisations and cities have flourished along riverbanks, citing the Indus Valley Civilisation and global capitals such as Delhi and London.
“The YSRC is indulging in sustained negative propaganda on Amaravati without even rudimentary knowledge of water utilisation,” he remarked. Questioning Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks, the Chief Minister asked how the use of surplus waters could ever be deemed wrong.
