Somireddy Asks TG To Reconsider AP’s Use Of Surplus River Water
“Why is he treating Andhra Pradesh like an enemy? We grew up together. Why see us as if we are terrorists from Pakistan": Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy
TIRUPATI: Telugu Desam (TD) politburo member and Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy has strongly defended Andhra Pradesh’s right to use surplus waters of inter-state rivers. He sought cooperation from Telangana leadership in sharing river waters for mutual benefit.
Speaking to reporters in Nellore on Friday, Somireddy questioned the growing hostility from Telangana leaders, particularly former minister T. Harish Rao. “Why is he treating Andhra Pradesh like an enemy? We grew up together. Why see us as if we are terrorists from Pakistan,” the Sarvepalli MLA asked.
He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh never objected to the construction of irrigation projects in Telangana, including the Kaleshwaram project. “If Telangana stops the flow, it is the downstream state (Andhra Pradesh) that suffers,” he pointed out. He underlined that Krishna River’s condition is already fragile. Andhra Pradesh has been bearing the brunt of floods and droughts every five years, he stated.
Somireddy questioned the resistance to build Banakacharla project to utilise 200 TMC of surplus water, which would otherwise flow wastefully into the sea. “3,000 TMCs of Krishna water goes unused every year into the sea. Why say no when we want to use 200 TMC of this water?” he asked.
Highlighting the urgency of irrigation in drought-prone areas, the TDP politburo member said, “If the Banakacharla project is completed, it will benefit Rayalaseema immensely. What was once ‘Ratnala Seema’ has now turned into ‘Ralla Seema,’” he observed, referring to the region’s decline due to chronic water scarcity.
The Sarvepalli MLA reminded people about former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s earlier promise to bring Godavari waters to Rayalaseema. “Didn’t KCR promise to make Rayalaseema a land of riches,” he asked, pointing out that KCR made the statement while dining at YSRC leader R.K. Roja’s house.
Somireddy urged Telangana leaders, including KCR, K.T. Rama Rao and Harish Rao of BRS to engage in dialogue with their Andhra counterparts. “Let’s make a good decision with goodwill. Please don’t speak in a way that hurts fellow Telugus. I fold my hands and request you,” the TDP leader stated.
