Naidu defends AP’s water use, stresses need for amicable sharing between Telugu states

The AP Chief Minister also claimed he had never objected to the construction of Kaleshwaram and that Andhra Pradesh was only trying to use water that would otherwise flow into the sea.

Hyderabad: Amidst the ongoing row between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the Banakacharla project, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that there was ample water in the Godavari River and that both States were utilising it.

Except for the Polavaram project, which was approved under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, no other projects had requisite permissions, Naidu said. While Telangana was building projects upstream, Andhra Pradesh was lifting water and diverting it to other basins.

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“Telangana did the same earlier,” he claimed during a press conference in Amaravati on Thursday.

The AP Chief Minister also claimed he had never objected to the construction of Kaleshwaram and that Andhra Pradesh was only trying to use water that would otherwise flow into the sea. “If Telangana does not use the water, it flows downstream,” he observed.

“Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are both part of the Telugu community. Why are we creating issues? Through a policy of give and take, water can be shared amicably. If legal clarity is needed, the matter can be taken up with the Centre,” Naidu suggested.

Responding to Telangana’s request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to use a large quantity of Godavari water, he questioned why any government would readily issue such a clearance. “It’s not correct. There can be arguments, but the law is the same for all,” he said.

On the all-party meeting convened by the Telangana government on Wednesday, Naidu remarked that there was no need for any conflict. “Telangana can construct and draw water, who is stopping them? Similarly, Andhra Pradesh will also construct. Telangana BJP leaders are not opposing these efforts. They only insist that no one be subjected to injustice,” he said.

Stating that fighting among Telugu people was unproductive, Naidu said the previous Telugu Desam government had developed Hyderabad in the best interests of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

“As a politician, I take great satisfaction in knowing that the ecosystem I created is benefiting the development of the Telugu community,” he said.

He pointed out that Hyderabad generates 75 per cent of Telangana’s income, calling the State a “goldmine.”

Telangana, he added, had the highest per capita income in the country and also led in Goods and Services Tax contributions.

“Telangana has a strong ecosystem. It takes time and effort to replicate that here in Andhra Pradesh. Despite our efforts, a few vested interests are creating hurdles,” he added.