Why Are There Conflicts Over Water Flowing Into the Sea, Questions Chandrababu Naidu?
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Amaravati, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, raised a pertinent question on Friday: Why should there be conflicts between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding the use of water that is wasted flowing into the sea?
He emphasized that disputes between the two neighboring southern states over the surplus water from the Godavari River flowing into the sea are unwarranted.
The Chief Minister expressed these views during a public gathering where he distributed 'pattadar' passbooks to farmers in Rayavaram village, located in East Godavari district.
Naidu addressed concerns regarding Telangana's opposition to the Polavaram-Nallamalla Sagar project and the ongoing debate surrounding the Rayalaseema lift irrigation initiative, stating that certain individuals seem to favor discord rather than the equitable distribution of water.
He firmly stated that there would be no compromise on the interests of Andhra Pradesh, asserting that ongoing disputes yield no benefits for anyone.
"Utilizing the 300 TMC of water that currently flows into the sea could eliminate drought conditions. Completion of the Polavaram project would resolve the water scarcity issues in the area. We plan to channel water from Polavaram to Visakhapatnam and subsequently to Vamsadhara," he articulated.
The Chief Minister mentioned that upon the completion of the Polavaram project, Telangana would also have access to the surplus water.
He highlighted the successful diversion of Godavari water to the Krishna River via the Pattiseema lift irrigation project, which has enabled water supply to Rayalaseema, transforming the region into a flourishing horticultural center.
After presenting a 'pattadar' passbook to a farmer, he instructed him to scan the QR code in the passbook using his mobile device to easily locate his land with the help of a map.
The farmer expressed that receiving the 'pattadar' passbook from the Andhra Pradesh government has instilled a sense of confidence among them.
Naidu remarked that land ownership is a deeply rooted sentiment for farmers and their families, but they faced significant challenges during the previous YSRCP administration due to land disputes and the Land Titling Act.
Upon assuming power, the Telugu Desam Party-led government promptly repealed the Land Titling Act, and they are now issuing 'pattadar' passbooks adorned with the government emblem.
He assured that the land survey was carried out transparently and emphasized the distribution of passbooks under the slogan "Mee Bhoomi- Mee Hakku" (Your land, your right).
Naidu added that blockchain technology is being utilized to safeguard land records from tampering in the state.
He informed that 22.33 lakh passbooks have been prepared in 6,688 villages where resurveying has been finalized.
The Chief Minister urged MPs, MLAs, and other representatives to take on the responsibility of distributing the 'pattadar' passbooks in an open and transparent manner.
He criticized the previous YSRCP government for allegedly spending Rs 660 crore on printing the image of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on survey stones.