Water war brews in Telangana: Harish Rao slams CM Revanth Reddy’s 1,500 TMC plea; says it weakens state’s claim, distorts facts

HYDERABAD: Taking strong exception to CM Revanth Reddy's statement seeking a blanket NOC from Andhra Pradesh for Telangana to utilise 1,500 tmcft of water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers, former irrigation minister and BRS MLA T Harish Rao said the CM was undermining the state's rightful share.

Speaking at Telangana Bhavan on Thursday, Harish Rao recalled that former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao had written to the Union jal shakti ministry asserting Telangana's right to 1,950 tmcft out of the 3,000 tmcft that flows into the sea annually. "Instead, Revanth irresponsibly suggested Andhra can take all of it," he said.

He said a GO existed for 968 tmcft during united AP, and the former BRS govt had secured approvals for 946 tmcft. "The CM's suggestion that 500 tmcft water is enough in Krishna waters undermines Telangana's claim for 763 tmcft before the Krishna water tribunal," he said. Harish Rao accused Revanth of distorting facts, avoiding Banakacherla issue, and turning a serious water dispute into a political attack.