Does Telangana Seek Water or Disputes? CM Revanth Reddy Speaks Out
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Hyderabad, Jan 9 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing tensions over river water sharing between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that the state's priority is water, not conflict.
He urged both states to transcend political differences and work collaboratively to resolve the issues surrounding Krishna and Godavari River water sharing.
“When posed with the question of whether Telangana requires a dispute or water, my answer is unequivocally water. If asked whether we desire conflict or a resolution, I will opt for a resolution,” he declared at a gathering in Maheshwaram in Rangareddy district.
Revanth Reddy appealed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to refrain from obstructing Telangana's projects on the Krishna River.
“From this platform, I urge him not to hinder the permissions needed for projects on the Krishna River that were initially proposed during the undivided Andhra Pradesh,” he stated.
He pointed out that such hindrances have resulted in delays in Central government funding, placing a financial strain on the state.
Revanth Reddy highlighted that for Telangana to achieve port connectivity, it is essential to have cooperation from its neighboring state. “If both states collaborate, the issues can be resolved. We will continue discussions with our neighbor for this purpose,” he affirmed.
He further expressed his preference for resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than the legal system.
He clarified that the Congress party does not aim to gain political advantage from the water dispute.
“I urge all political parties to set aside politics and work together towards a solution. Let’s amicably settle our differences,” he urged.
“Our focus is not on political advantage, but on the welfare of the people and farmers,” he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Telangana does not wish to engage in disputes with neighboring states, whether it be Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, or Maharashtra. “We seek mutual cooperation,” he added.
On January 7, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had called for an end to political maneuvering regarding river water sharing.
Expressing concern over the politicization of water sharing issues between the two Telugu states, he clarified that he has never objected to Telangana's projects.
He questioned whether it was appropriate to object to the Polavaram project being executed by Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu was referring to the objections raised by the Telangana government regarding the expansion of the Polavaram project.
The Telangana government has approached the Supreme Court to halt the Polavaram-Nallamalla Sagar project, which aims to divert water from the Godavari River to the Krishna basin in Andhra Pradesh.
Chandrababu Naidu spoke to reporters following his visit to Polavaram in Eluru district to assess the mega project's progress.
He stated that there is no issue with utilizing surplus water that is currently wasted into the sea. “Once we complete the Polavaram project, we can harness the surplus water from the Godavari, supply Krishna water to the Rayalaseema region, and, if there is excess, provide it to Telangana as well,” he explained.