The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of negligence as Andhra Pradesh allegedly diverts Krishna water from Srisailam, leaving Telangana farmers in drought.
- BRS alleges Andhra Pradesh is illegally diverting Krishna water via the Veligonda project.
- T. Harish Rao claims Telangana's basin areas are suffering from drought while AP irrigates non-basin lands.
- The BRS accuses the Congress government of stalling the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme.
The political temperature in Telangana has risen as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. T. Harish Rao, the Deputy Floor Leader of BRS in the Assembly, has questioned the state government's absolute silence regarding the diversion of Krishna river water by neighboring Andhra Pradesh (AP).
According to Harish Rao, Andhra Pradesh is utilizing the twin tunnels of the Veligonda project to divert water to Nallamalasagar. He alleges that AP is drawing water even from the dead storage level of the Srisailam reservoir, effectively leaving the basin areas of Telangana dry and languishing in drought-like conditions. The Veligonda project is designed to utilize 43.5 tmc ft of water to irrigate approximately 4.5 lakh acres in the Rayalaseema and south coastal regions of AP.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a political spat but a critical resource conflict. Water security in the Deccan plateau is a volatile issue; any perceived 'theft' of water by a neighboring state often triggers intense regionalist sentiment. By highlighting the dry conditions in the Bhima, Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, and Koilsagar lift irrigation schemes, BRS is positioning the Congress government as 'anti-farmer' and 'weak' in inter-state negotiations.
The BRS leader further alleged that AP is diverting nearly 11 tmc ft of water in the first phase of the Veligonda project, which he claims is a direct violation of tribunal awards and the approvals of the river board. He expressed deep concern that the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has remained a mute spectator to these developments.
"Inter-state water disputes in India are often exacerbated when state governments fail to maintain a firm diplomatic stance, leading to ecological imbalance and agricultural distress."
Furthermore, the BRS has accused the Congress administration of intentionally neglecting the completion of the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, which they claim is effectively aiding AP's water draw. Harish Rao also called upon Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy to intervene and resolve the crisis.
Historically, the Krishna water dispute has been a bone of contention between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh since the bifurcation of the state in 2014. The distribution of water from Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar has consistently been a flashpoint for political conflict, involving complex legal battles at the tribunal level.
| Feature | Telangana's Claim | Andhra Pradesh's Action |
|---|---|---|
| Water Status | Basin areas facing drought | Irrigating Rayalaseema & Coastal regions |
| Project Involved | Palamuru-Rangareddy (Delayed) | Veligonda Project (Active) |
| Legal Standing | Violation of Tribunal awards | Utilizing twin tunnels for diversion |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Veligonda project?
It is a water diversion project by Andhra Pradesh designed to move Krishna water via twin tunnels to irrigate drought-prone areas in Rayalaseema.
Q2: Why is the BRS criticizing the current CM?
The BRS believes CM Revanth Reddy is not fighting for Telangana's rightful share of water and is allowing AP to divert resources illegally.
