Amaravati, Oct 1 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for completely disregarding the interests of Andhra Pradesh while Karnataka advances its plans to raise the height of the Almatti Dam.

In a post on the X platform, Jagan pointed out that on September 16, the Karnataka Cabinet sanctioned the increase of Almatti’s storage from 519 meters to 524.256 meters, effectively doubling its capacity from 129.72 TMC to 279.72 TMC, with a financial allocation of Rs 70,000 crore.

“In light of this serious threat to Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation and drinking water requirements, it is alarming that even after a fortnight, Chandrababu Naidu remains inactive. The entire region is at risk of becoming barren due to water scarcity. If you are unable to defend the state’s rights, what is the purpose of your Chief Minister role?” Jagan questioned.

The YSRCP leader reminded that during Naidu’s previous term (1995-2004), despite claiming to have significant influence at the Centre, Karnataka managed to complete the spillway and gate constructions that facilitated Almatti’s expansion, even after the Supreme Court had restricted the height to 519 meters. “Your past failures have already caused significant harm, and now history is repeating itself,” Jagan remarked.

The former Chief Minister emphasized that for more than 25 years, the increase in Almatti's height has had devastating consequences during drought years, depriving Andhra Pradesh of essential irrigation and drinking water. “Year after year, our farmers and citizens have endured the consequences of your negligence,” he stated.

He also criticized the “yellow media propaganda” that suggests Naidu is influential in Delhi, while in reality, he is failing to leverage the strength of his MPs to compel the Centre to halt Almatti’s expansion.

Addressing the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal–II (KWDT-2), Jagan expressed concern that Andhra Pradesh's arguments are being presented inadequately. He cautioned that adopting a 75 percent dependability formula would irreparably damage the state, as Andhra Pradesh would face shortages in drought years while also dealing with flood impacts as a lower riparian state.

He reminded that the YSRCP government had already submitted a petition to KWDT-2 in October 2023, initiating a legal battle to protect the state’s rights, but under Naidu’s leadership, the case is being mishandled.

Jagan urged Chandrababu Naidu to utilize his MPs to exert pressure on the Centre, halt Karnataka’s plans to raise Almatti, and present robust arguments at KWDT-2.