AP, Telangana differ over Polavaram, Nallamala Sagar at central water panel meet

The first Central Water Disputes Resolution Committee meeting between Telangana and AP ended inconclusively, with Telangana opposing discussion on Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar projects. It seeks 50% of available waters pending tribunal award, while AP raised objections to Telangana’s agenda

Hyderabad: The first meeting of the Central Water Disputes Resolution Committee on river water issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ended inconclusively in Delhi after nearly two hours of deliberations. Both the States reportedly differed over inclusion of the Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar projects on the agenda.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Telangana Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja said the State placed 12 issues on the table, focusing on pending disputes over Krishna and Godavari river waters. Telangana firmly opposed the inclusion of the Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar projects in the agenda. The State also sought permission to utilise 50 per cent of available waters until a final tribunal award is delivered.

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Andhra Pradesh did not spell out its own agenda during the meeting. However, the State raised objections to issues raised by Telangana.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) will decide the schedule and framework for the next round of talks. CWC chairman asked both the States to submit their agenda points in writing within a week, after which the date for the next meeting will be fixed.

Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy later asserted that Telangana would not give up even a single drop of water and maintained that State officials had clearly conveyed their refusal to discuss the Nallamala Sagar project.