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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Vows No Water Compromise, Slams BRS Allegations

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has firmly dismissed allegations from BRS leaders that he is supporting Andhra Pradesh in diverting river waters, asserting there will be no compromise on the state's water rights. He criticized the previous BRS government for politicizing water issues and neglecting key projects like Devadula, whose costs have ballooned. The CM promised to complete all pending irrigation projects within two years and to revive the troubled Kaleshwaram project, which suffered from the sinking of the Medigadda barrage. He also announced immediate funds for land acquisition and a special corpus to ensure project delays are resolved.

Key Points: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Firm on State's Water Rights

  • Dismisses BRS allegations on water diversion
  • Vows no compromise on state's water rights
  • Criticizes past neglect of irrigation projects
  • Promises completion of pending projects in two years
3 min read

No compromise on Telangana's water rights, asserts CM Revanth Reddy

CM Revanth Reddy dismisses BRS allegations of supporting Andhra, asserts no compromise on Telangana's water rights and reviews project progress.

"We will not let the Kaleshwaram project go unused. - CM Revanth Reddy"

Hyderabad, Feb 22

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday dismissed the allegations of BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister T. Harish Rao that he is supporting Andhra Pradesh to divert river waters and made it clear that there will be no compromise on the state's water rights.

He urged the BRS leaders not to politicise issues related to people and water by making cheap allegations.

In his remarks at a meeting to review the Devadula project at the Mulugu district, the Chief Minister said he and his ministers sit with neighbouring states and hold discussions, but protect Telangana's interests.

Stating that the government is ready to discuss Godavari River waters in the Budget session of the Assembly, he advised KCR and Harish Rao to give their valuable suggestions.

The Chief Minister said that the Godavari water issue has been politicised. Taking a dig at BRS leaders, he said if projects were completed during their 10-year rule, there would have been no disputes.

He said projects to utilise 960 TMC of water should have been utilised. At least now the projects should be completed to make the state prosperous.

CM Revanth Reddy said the BRS government spent Rs 1.10 lakh crore on the Kaleshwaram project and neglected other projects. After the Medigadda barrage sank, water could not be lifted from Kaleshwaram. He said that, though the Kaleshwaram project had become useless, the state is producing the maximum paddy.

He also stated that an expert committee has been formed on the Kaleshwaram project. "We will not let the Kaleshwaram project go unused. Agencies are examining all aspects. We are taking precautions to prevent any damage in the future," he said.

"Kaleswaram is not their own property. It's people's money. Let's not throw it away. We will bring it back into use," he added.

He admitted that there has been a shortage of funds to complete projects, but promised that all pending projects will be completed in two years. He announced that funds will be released soon.

The Chief Minister noted that the Devadula project started with an estimate of Rs 6,000 crore, but today it has gone up to Rs 18,500 crore. He announced that Rs 600 crore will be sanctioned before June 2 for land acquisition.

He said all estimates must be placed before the government and approved in the Budget. He assured a special corpus fund for land acquisition for all projects. Stating that compensation will be released through a green channel, he said land issues cannot stall project works.

Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Seethakka, MP Balram Naik, local MLAs and other leaders accompanied the Chief Minister.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's good to see the focus shifting back to completing projects. The cost escalation from ₹6,000 crore to ₹18,500 crore for Devadula is shocking though. Where did all that money go? There needs to be more transparency in these mega-projects.
K
Karthik V
Finally, someone is calling out the previous government on Kaleshwaram! Spending over 1 lakh crore and then the barrage sinks? What a colossal waste of public money. The expert committee must hold people accountable, not just do a technical review.
P
Priyanka N
As a resident of a village near one of these projects, I just want to see water in the canals. We've heard promises for a decade. The "green channel" for compensation is a welcome step if it actually works. Land acquisition has stalled everything here.
A
Aman W
The CM is right. Water issues should be above politics. But asking BRS for "valuable suggestions" after blaming them feels like more political drama. Just focus on governance and completing the work. Actions speak louder than press conferences.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the focus on irrigation and water management. The scale of these projects is immense. Hoping the expert committee's findings on Kaleshwaram are made public. Learning from past mistakes is crucial for sustainable development.

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