Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has cautioned the Telangana government in stern words not to politicize sensitive issues like water conflicts. The struggle between the two Telugu states over Krishna River water has become a war of words, with Telangana’s ruling and opposition parties throwing hot charges at one another.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) blamed the Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government for so-called turning a blind eye towards Andhra Pradesh’s alleged diversion of Krishna water, which should belong to Telangana by right, in their view. Refuting the charges while on a visit to Delhi, Chandrababu Naidu strongly reiterated that issues of such serious nature should never be made instruments of politics.
Naidu remembered his time as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, pointing out that he had initiated major irrigation projects such as Bheema and Devadula. He emphasized that his government has always been concerned with making the best use of water resources so that water going into the sea is utilized properly. He also proposed that both states should join hands to make the best use of Godavari River waters rather than fighting over Krishna water.
Reacting to Telangana leaders’ allegations, Naidu clearly stated that Andhra Pradesh is only abiding by its quota of Krishna water and not exceeding its entitlement. He pointed out that, as a downstream state, Andhra Pradesh is only consuming water that would otherwise go waste. He appealed to both state leaders not to politicise such important issues but rather work towards sustainable water management.
Meanwhile, Telangana ministers lament that Andhra Pradesh is taking away its rightful amount of water from vital reservoirs such as Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar. Telangana ministers have urged the central government to act, accusing Andhra Pradesh of withdrawing more than 1,200 TMC of Krishna water in the past ten years. With the tension building up, Naidu’s recent comments are being viewed as a firm but even-handed rebuttal to Telangana’s allegations.
