Hyderabad, June 24: BRS Legislature Party deputy leader and former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao accused the Congress government of failing to safeguard Telangana’s water interests and called on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to intervene against Karnataka’s alleged projects on the Tungabhadra River.
In a five page letter to the Chief Minister, Harish Rao demanded that the State government formally raise objections before the Central Water Commission, Krishna River Management Board and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. He also urged the government to enforce the Bachawat Tribunal provisions and approach the Supreme Court if required.
Telangana Water Rights Row Intensifies Over Tungabhadra Projects
Harish Rao questioned whether the State government had silently accepted Karnataka’s Kurdi Lift Irrigation Scheme and proposed bridge cum barrages at Chikalparvi and Chikkalmanchi upstream of the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme.
He sought clarity on reports that Karnataka had issued a No Objection Certificate for the Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme and questioned whether Telangana’s water interests had become part of a political understanding.
The former minister alleged that Karnataka had continued construction activities, including intake structures that were reportedly 60 percent complete, while Telangana had not raised objections during the past year.
According to Harish Rao, the proposed projects could reduce inflows into the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme and impact irrigation in Telangana. He claimed Karnataka was already drawing water beyond its allocated share and warned that additional projects could weaken Telangana’s access.
He further alleged that projects were progressing without approvals from the Central Water Commission, Krishna River Management Board and the concerned states.
Harish Rao stated that reduced inflows could also affect the Thummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme, Bhima Project, Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme and drinking water availability across the undivided Mahabubnagar region.
Referring to earlier water disputes, he said Telangana had historically faced challenges in securing river water allocations and claimed previous BRS governments worked to improve irrigation coverage after state formation.
He also criticised the Congress government over delays in RDS Phase II works and alleged that water allocations linked to the Bhima Project had been diverted to the proposed Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Harish Rao said the BRS would continue to campaign for Telangana’s water rights and the interests of farmers in affected regions.
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