Harish Rao accuses Revanth Reddy government of betraying Telangana’s water rights
Hyderabad: Former minister and BRS leader T. Harish Rao accused the Congress-led Revanth Reddy government of betraying Telangana water rights in the ongoing Godavari river water dispute.
Addressing a media conference at Telangana Bhavan, Harish Rao said the press meet became unavoidable due to what he described as urgent and dangerous decisions by the State government. According to him, Telangana’s interests mattered more than political considerations. He warned that any wrong step would remain a black day in the State’s water history.
Referring to developments in Delhi, Harish Rao alleged that the Centre was facilitating water injustice to Telangana. He said the BRS had consistently cautioned the government about the alleged illegal diversion of Godavari waters. However, he claimed the government ignored these warnings by issuing backdated letters and symbolic responses.
The BRS leader alleged that projects such as Banakacherla and Nallamala Sagar only changed names, while Andhra Pradesh’s water diversion continued. In his remarks, Harish Rao said Chandrababu Naidu wielded the knife, while Revanth Reddy carried out the act.
Telangana water rights under threat, says Harish Rao
Targeting the Congress government, Harish Rao alleged systematic support to Andhra Pradesh on Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar projects. He claimed the government discussed Banakacherla in Delhi despite saying it was not on the agenda. He further alleged that officials signed documents, formed committees, and indirectly endorsed Andhra Pradesh’s plans.
Questioning the State’s participation in the ongoing irrigation meeting, Harish Rao asked why Telangana attended without firm assurances from the Centre or Andhra Pradesh. He also objected to the deputation of an engineer who had earlier opposed Telangana projects such as Kaleshwaram and Sitarama Lift.
Drawing a comparison with the previous regime, Harish Rao said the BRS government under K. Chandrashekar Rao secured approvals for 400 TMC of Godavari water. He added that the government obtained clearances for seven projects. In contrast, he alleged that the present government neither submitted new DPRs nor secured approvals, while withdrawing earlier proposals.
Demanding immediate action, Harish Rao said the State government must boycott the Delhi meeting. He also sought disclosure of responses to the conditions claimed to have been placed before the Centre. He warned that the BRS would launch another movement to protect Telangana water rights.
Citing the Economic Survey, Harish Rao said Telangana achieved major irrigation gains under BRS rule. He said over 32 lakh acres received assured irrigation through Kaleshwaram and Mission Kakatiya. He urged BJP leaders Bandi Sanjay and G. Kishan Reddy to acknowledge official data instead of criticising the BRS.
