Revanth Reddy urges Naidu not to block Telangana irrigation projects

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu not to obstruct Telangana irrigation projects. Striking a conciliatory note, he said water disputes should be resolved through dialogue and mutual cooperation between the two States.

Hyderabad: Days after claiming in the Assembly that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had halted the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project following his appeal, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday urged his counterpart not to create obstacles to irrigation projects being taken up by Telangana.

The Andhra Pradesh government had rejected Revanth Reddy’s Assembly claims, which also led to exchanges between leaders of the two States over river water sharing.

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However, speaking at the inauguration of the Suzen Medicare manufacturing unit here, Revanth Reddy adopted a conciliatory tone, stating that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than courts or other forums.

Interestingly, Naidu also echoed the same view at a village meeting in East Godavari district. There was no need for controversy between the two Telugu States over river waters flowing into the sea. Certain people were “deliberately creating disputes” instead of focusing on water utilisation, he said.

Speaking further on the issue, Revanth Reddy said the Congress had no intention of deriving political benefit from water disputes and appealed to political leaders in the neighbouring State to set aside ideological differences and cooperate in finding a permanent solution. Projects such as Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation, Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation, Dindi, SLBC, Bheema and Nettampadu were approved during the united Andhra Pradesh period, he said.

“I appeal to the neighbouring State Chief Minister not to create obstacles in granting permissions and executing projects,” Revanth Reddy said. He added that delays in environmental and other clearances had resulted in banks withholding loans and the Centre not releasing funds under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, increasing the financial burden on Telangana.

The Chief Minister said Telangana would extend support if Andhra Pradesh had any concerns. He remarked that Amaravati’s development required Hyderabad’s support, noting that skilled manpower was as important as infrastructure and that Hyderabad had such resources.

Revanth Reddy further said cooperation from the neighbouring State was necessary for Telangana’s port connectivity. “If the two States cooperate, issues can be resolved. We want solutions, not conflicts,” he said, adding that Telangana was seeking mutual cooperation with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.