Hyderabad, Nov 18 (NationPress) In a strong reiteration of its stance against the proposed Polavaram-Banakacherla link project by Andhra Pradesh, Telangana’s Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has formally urged Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil to deny permissions for the project.

During a meeting in Delhi, Reddy conveyed his concerns to the Union Minister, emphasizing that Andhra Pradesh is attempting to pursue the project under a different designation.

“Andhra Pradesh has submitted a pre-feasibility report concerning the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project, which we have opposed. It is abundantly clear that there is no provision for allocating flood water in the Godavari Water Dispute 1980 award,” he stated.

The minister elaborated that he had provided written explanations to the Union Minister asserting the project’s illegality and noted that both Maharashtra and Karnataka are also against this initiative.

Further, Reddy called on the Centre to prevent Karnataka from raising the height of the Almatti dam on the Krishna River. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has mandated a stay on increasing the dam height beyond 519 meters.

“Despite this stay, the Karnataka government has made a cabinet decision, issued a Government Order, and is proceeding with land acquisition to elevate the height. We have brought this urgent matter to the Central government’s attention, highlighting that an increase in Almatti’s height would be detrimental to Telangana,” he remarked.

Reddy further urged Paatil to address the unresolved irrigation issues affecting Telangana that are pending with the Jal Shakti Ministry. “We have requested a total allocation of 90 TMC of water for the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, seeking immediate allocation of 45 TMC,” he added.

Additionally, he called for expedient clearances for the Samakka-Sarakka project across the Godavari River. Reddy informed the Union Minister that the state government has already submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) along with all necessary information to the Central Water Commission.

The Brijesh Tribunal (Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-2) is expected to allocate 811 TMC between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; however, the proceedings have been progressing slowly. Reddy urged the Centre to take the initiative and request the Brijesh Tribunal to expedite these proceedings.

Lastly, the Telangana minister demanded the release of funds for the state’s irrigation projects, stating that the state government has been seeking Central funding for irrigation for the past 22 months.