Harish Rao alleges threat to Telangana water rights over river-link proposal
Hyderabad: Telangana water rights are under threat if the proposed Godavari-Nallamala Sagar project is linked to the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, BRS deputy floor leader T. Harish Rao alleged on Sunday.
Addressing reporters at Telangana Bhavan, Harish Rao claimed that connecting the two projects would weaken Telangana’s position in future water allocations. He alleged that such a move would compromise the state’s legally entitled share of river water.
The former minister also criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. According to Harish Rao, the government was not taking adequate steps to safeguard the state’s interests. He said the BRS had consistently prioritised Telangana’s welfare and would continue its fight to protect those interests.
Harish Rao recalled that Telangana faced injustice in Krishna river water allocations during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era. In his view, a similar situation could emerge over Godavari waters.
The BRS leader maintained that Telangana was entitled to 45 TMC of water if Godavari water entered the Krishna basin. He added that the party had opposed the Banakacherla project from the beginning and defended the state’s share under the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award.
Telangana water rights dominate river-link concerns
Harish Rao alleged that Andhra Pradesh later pursued the proposal under the name Nallamala Sagar after facing opposition to the Banakacherla project. He claimed the plan sought to divert Godavari water without formally linking it to the Krishna basin.
Fresh concerns have now emerged over the proposed Godavari-Cauvery River Linking Project, he said. Telangana repeatedly raised objections during National Water Development Agency meetings, he added.
The state sought statutory clearances for pending projects based on its allocated 968 TMC of Godavari water. It also demanded a 50 per cent share in any water diverted through river-linking projects. Additionally, Telangana insisted that such projects pass through its territory, including Ichampalli or Sammakka Sagar to Nagarjuna Sagar.
Harish Rao alleged that the current proposal bypasses Telangana by routing water from Polavaram towards Nallamala Sagar and further south. As a result, Andhra Pradesh would benefit while Telangana could lose future allocations, he claimed.
Demanding immediate action, the former minister urged the government to oppose the Polavaram-Cauvery river-linking proposal. He also called for an all-party meeting, protests in Delhi and a resolution in the State Assembly.
Furthermore, Harish Rao warned that the BRS would launch a statewide movement if the government failed to act to protect Telangana water rights.
