Harish Rao Warns of Crisis Over Godavari Water Rights Before GRMB Summit
BRS deputy floor leader T. Harish Rao claims the upcoming Godavari River Management Board meeting agenda threatens Telangana's established water allocations. The former minister accuses the current administration of failing to challenge Andhra Pradesh's demands for project reviews.
Key takeaways
- T. Harish Rao claims the August 18 GRMB agenda undermines Telangana's established water rights and projects.
- Andhra Pradesh is seeking a review of previously approved projects like Kaleshwaram and the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme.
- The BRS has threatened mass agitation if the state government fails to protect Telangana's 968 tmc ft Godavari water allocation.
Controversy Surrounding the GRMB Agenda
T. Harish Rao, deputy floor leader for the BRS and former minister, raised alarms on Wednesday regarding the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) meeting set for August 18 in Hyderabad. Rao contends that the current agenda serves to compromise the water security of Telangana. He specifically targeted the Congress-led government for its lack of public response to these developments.
Andhra Pradesh Challenges Telangana Projects
According to Rao, the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh has formally requested a review of approvals previously granted to significant irrigation initiatives in Telangana. The projects under scrutiny include the Kaleshwaram project, Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme, Chinna Kaleshwaram, and Chanaka-Korata. Other sites targeted for review or suspension include Modikunta Vagu, Kadem Gudem Lift, and the Choutuppalli Hanumantha Rao projects. Additionally, Rao noted objections raised against the proposed Sammakka Barrage at Tupakulagudem.
Defense of Existing Clearances
Rao questioned the legal and technical grounds for revisiting clearances that central agencies have already finalized. He stated that the prior K. Chandrasekhar Rao administration successfully secured permissions for the use of 383 tmc ft of Godavari water. He argued that the Technical Advisory Committee and various federal departments had already vetted these projects, making arbitrary reviews inappropriate. Rao further highlighted that Telangana's 968 tmc ft allocation was documented during the state bifurcation process and affirmed in prior GRMB proceedings.
Political Accountability and Potential Protests
The BRS leader called for an immediate withdrawal of these items from the GRMB agenda and urged Telangana MPs to address the matter in Parliament. Rao criticized the state government's handling of water resources, alleging a failure to effectively lift available water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers. He warned of large-scale public agitations if the state's water rights are diminished. Demanding clarity, Rao challenged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar to declare their positions on these specific water disputes.
Key Facts
- The GRMB meeting is scheduled for August 18 in Hyderabad.
- Andhra Pradesh is seeking reviews of multiple Telangana irrigation projects including Kaleshwaram and Sitarama.
- Telangana claims a 968 tmc ft allocation of Godavari water based on bifurcation records.
- Approvals for 383 tmc ft of water usage were secured under the previous state government.
- BRS leadership has threatened mass protests if water interests are compromised.
Source: The Hindu — National
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