Godavari-Penna linking: Ministry of Jal Shakti turns down Telangana’s request for additional water share

The National Water Development Agency has ruled out the possibility of enhancing the water shares of States from the 148 TMC sought to be diverted by linking the Godavari and Pennar rivers and emphasised consensus approach to serve national interests.

Hyderabad: The National Water Development Agency has ruled out the possibility of enhancing the water shares of States from the 148 TMC sought to be diverted by linking the Godavari and Pennar rivers and emphasised consensus approach to serve national interests. This was after the NWDA convened a crucial meeting in Delhi, where the Ministry of Jal Shakti provided clarity on the allocation of water shares.

Taking serious note of the delay in the implementation of the projects that owed to the divergent stands taken by the States concerned, the agency wanted further discussion to iron out irritants in the implementation of the project.

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The NWDA rejected Telangana’s plea for 50 percent of the 148 TMC of water to be drawn from the Godavari basin to the Pennar basin. Similarly, Karnataka’s demands for an increased water share were also turned down. The ministry highlighted that there was no scope for reconsidering water allocations, stressing the importance of equitable distribution to benefit all states involved.

The NWDA is considering the diversion of water through the Sammakka Sagar barrage instead of constructing new barrages. The agency has reportedly agreed in principle to Telangana’s request for the construction of two reservoirs in the Nalgonda district as part of the project.

To address concerns and finalize details, the NWDA has scheduled another meeting with the irrigation heads and secretaries of the states concerned by the end of the month. This meeting aims to resolve any remaining issues and ensure the smooth implementation of the water diversion project.

The Secretary of Water Resources, Jal Shakti, emphasized that the project is designed to ensure equitable water distribution and cannot be delayed further.