Telangana is gearing up for a serious water-sharing battle as state Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has strongly objected to the Banakacharla irrigation project being proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government. Speaking to the media, Reddy made it clear that Telangana will not allow the project under any circumstances, calling it a direct threat to the state’s water rights.
Criticizing Andhra Pradesh’s justification that the project is aimed at utilizing water flowing into the sea, the minister said such claims are baseless and misleading. He accused AP of trying to divert water in a way that would harm Telangana’s interests.
Reddy stated that the Telangana government is prepared to take all necessary steps to stop the project. He confirmed that official objections have already been submitted to the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil.
“If the Union government doesn’t act, we’re ready to take legal action,” he warned, revealing that he had personally met with the Union Minister to discuss the issue and urge immediate intervention. Telangana’s concerns, he emphasized, have been clearly and formally communicated to the Centre.
The minister also assured that the state government will respond firmly and at the right time. With the controversy heating up, the Banakacharla project is now seen as a potential flashpoint in inter-state water disputes, possibly more contentious than past rows over the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the central government’s response, with growing tension between the Telugu states over water allocation once again taking center stage.
