Hyderabad: Former irrigation minister T Harish Rao demanded the state govt to oppose ongoing irrigation projects on Tungabhadra River in Karnataka and formally register objections with the Central Water Commission (CWC), Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and Ministry of Jal Shakti. He also asked the govt to ensure strict implementation of all conditions and safeguards laid down under the Bachwat tribunal award.In a letter to chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, Harish Rao asked the govt not to compromise on the rights over Tungabhadra River waters. He sought intervention of CM to protect Telangana’s rightful share in the Tungabhadra River waters and prevent Karnataka from proceeding with illegal projects that could severely impact irrigation and drinking water needs in Telangana.“The state govt should approach the Supreme Court, if necessary, to challenge Karnataka’s projects and protect Telangana’s rights. The state govt should clarify that Telangana’s water interests have not been compromised in exchange for approvals related to the proposed Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme,” the ex-irrigation minister said in his open letter to CM.The BRS leader stated that one of the greatest injustices suffered by Telangana during the united AP era was the denial of its legitimate share of Krishna and Godavari river waters. He said the Telangana movement was driven in part by the need to secure water rights and that after statehood, the BRS govt successfully redirected river waters to drought-prone regions, transforming districts like Palamuru through large-scale irrigation projects.Harish Rao alleged that since coming to power, the Congress govt has failed to safeguard Telangana’s water interests and has instead adopted policies that compromise the state’s rights for political considerations. He accused the govt of remaining silent while Karnataka proceeds with projects on the Tungabhadra River that could adversely affect Telangana.Questioning the state govt’s stand, Harish Rao asked whether Telangana had indirectly consented to Karnataka’s proposed Kurdi Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Chikkalaparvi and Chikkalamanchi bridge-cum-barrages. He sought clarification on whether the approval granted by Karnataka for the Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme had come at the cost of Telangana’s long-term water interests.He warned that the projects being taken up by Karnataka upstream of the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) would significantly reduce water flows into Telangana. He said that if these projects are completed, irrigation benefits under RDS would be severely affected, putting thousands of farmers at risk.“Why the Telangana govt had failed to officially object to Karnataka’s activities despite the projects allegedly proceeding without mandatory approvals from the CWC, KRMB and Telangana and AP state govts,” he said.He said that Karnataka was already utilising water far beyond its allocated share in the RDS system and cautioned that the new projects could further diminish Telangana’s rightful allocation. Harish Rao said the BRS would continue its fight to safeguard Telangana’s water rights, protect the interests of farmers and oppose any attempt to compromise the state’s long-term interests.ends/
