Congress will stall Banakacharla project at all costs: Uttam Kumar Reddy

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has declared that the Congress government will oppose the Banakacharla project, citing threats to Telangana’s water share. He criticised BRS leader Harish Rao for misrepresenting the issue and reiterated the State’s objections to the Centre.

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy declared on Saturday that the Congress government will stall the Banakacharla project at all costs. Speaking to reporters in Hanamkonda, he said the state is fighting back on every front, from direct talks to formal letters sent to New Delhi.

Responding to BRS leader T. Harish Rao’s criticism of the Congress handling of the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project, Reddy accused him of painting a misleading picture.

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“He’s speaking in such a manner that our government is sitting idle”.

He reaffirmed that the Revanth Reddy administration is dedicated to safeguarding Telangana’s fair share of Krishna and Godavari waters. He noted that objections to the Banakacharla project had already been submitted in writing to Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil.

“Telangana, Maharashtra, and other basin states have made their stand clear against it,” he added. The minister also ruled out any support for plans to raise the Almatti dam’s height.

“Whoever runs the show in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, or Maharashtra, our stand will not change”. He reiterated that Telangana’s water interests come first, always,”. Redy took fresh aim at Harish Rao, accusing him for spreading falsehoods.