Telangana opposes Banakacherla project, says Uttam Kumar Reddy

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed Telangana's opposition to Andhra Pradesh's proposed Banakacherla project, labeling it illegal and a breach of water-sharing agreements.

Peddapalli: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday reiterated that the Telangana government is firmly opposed to the proposed Banakacherla project in Andhra Pradesh, terming it illegal and a violation of Telangana’s water rights.

Speaking after inaugurating the Ramagundam Lift Irrigation Scheme in Anthargaon, the Minister responded to Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh’s remarks questioning objections from an upper riparian state over a lower riparian State’s project on the Godavari river.

---

Uttam Kumar Reddy said that both he and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had submitted detailed representations to officials at every level, asserting that the Banakacherla project would infringe upon Telangana’s rightful share of Godavari waters.

He added that, following these representations, the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), the Polavaram Project Authority, and the Central Water Commission (CWC) have all rejected the Banakacherla project proposal.

The Minister stated that the project violates the 1980 Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) verdict as well as provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.