Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday said his government does not want to enter into conflicts with neighbouring states over water and prefers resolving ongoing inter-state disputes through dialogue rather than litigation.
He appealed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu not to oppose irrigation projects on the Krishna river in Telangana that were cleared during the period of the unified state, as objections were delaying funds and approvals.
The Chief Minister also urged political representatives of both Telugu states to keep water issues above politics.
Revanth Reddy was speaking at the inauguration of a manufacturing unit in E-City at Raviryal in Maheshwaram mandal of Ranga Reddy district, where he addressed the water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
He said, “Telangana does not desire disputes with neighbouring states. Instead of taking matters to courts or elsewhere for arbitration, we should sit together and resolve issues through discussions. Telangana seeks a permanent solution to water disputes. For development to take place, cooperation and harmony with neighbouring states are essential. Everyone should work together for a solution beyond politics.”
He appealed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu not to create hurdles for projects on the Krishna river that were approved before the reorganisation of the state in 2014.
He said objections were being raised by Andhra Pradesh to projects such as Palamuru–Ranga Reddy, Kalwakurthy, Dindi, SLBC, Bhima and Nettampadu. Due to these objections, funds and approvals from the Centre were being delayed, placing a financial strain on the Telangana government.
Taking a swipe at his predecessor K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who had often adopted a belligerent stand on water issues, Revanth Reddy said his government was focused on the welfare of people and farmers rather than political gains.
Notably, BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao had recently targeted N. Chandrababu Naidu for opposing Telangana’s irrigation projects, while YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had also accused the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister of remaining silent when Telangana was drawing more water.
The Chief Minister pointed out that landlocked Telangana lacks port connectivity and is seeking approval for a 12-lane greenfield expressway and railway connectivity to Machilipatnam port in Andhra Pradesh.
Similarly, he said Andhra Pradesh would require Telangana’s cooperation for the development of Amaravati. Revanth Reddy added that Telangana was keen on ensuring mutual cooperation with neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said there was no need for disputes between his state and Telangana over water that was flowing into the sea.
Speaking at a village in East Godavari district he rued that some people focus on controversies instead of water.