Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has firmly rejected Telangana's demand for a share in the waters of the Pulichintala balancing reservoir, asserting that the project was constructed exclusively to serve the needs of the Krishna delta ayacut in Andhra Pradesh. The state also dismissed Telangana's claims over surplus waters during the proceedings before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal.
Pulichintala: An Exclusive Project for Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh argued that the Pulichintala reservoir was built entirely within its geographical limits and was intended solely to stabilize irrigation in the Krishna delta region. The state maintained that Telangana has no legal or historical entitlement over the reservoir's waters. The Pulichintala project was conceived and executed as a balancing reservoir to regulate flows to the Krishna delta and ensure irrigation stability during periods of deficient inflows.
Legal Arguments Before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal
The Andhra Pradesh government submitted its arguments before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal, which is adjudicating the Krishna river water disputes between the two Telugu states. AP contended that Telangana was attempting to stake a claim to projects and surplus waters without any valid basis. The state pointed out that the reservoir does not create any new ayacut for Telangana and, therefore, cannot be treated as a common project.
AP further argued that after bifurcation, Telangana has repeatedly sought allocations from projects originally designed for the exclusive benefit of regions now falling within Andhra Pradesh. Such claims, AP maintained, are contrary to the provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act and established water-sharing principles.
Surplus Waters Cannot Be Claimed as a Right
Andhra Pradesh also opposed Telangana's demand for a share in surplus waters, asserting that surplus flows cannot be treated as assured allocations. The government stated that any allocation of surplus waters should depend on actual availability and basin conditions and cannot be claimed as a matter of right.
Impact on Krishna Delta Farmers
Sources said AP explained before the tribunal that Pulichintala plays a crucial role in meeting the irrigation requirements of the Krishna delta, particularly during periods of low inflows. Any diversion or sharing of these waters, AP argued, would adversely affect lakhs of farmers who depend on delta irrigation. The state further stated that no hydrological surveys have been conducted to take up new lift irrigation schemes in Telangana by diverting water from Pulichintala.
Telangana's Claim Called 'Irrational'
Senior legal counsel of AP, Jaideep Gupta, stated: “Telangana’s argument to grant 128 tmc ft of 194 tmc ft from the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal award to undivided AP is completely irrational. In fact, the tribunal award was not legalized or published to seek a share in the anticipated award. It is nothing but seeking a share in the already allocated water to various projects. They are trying to rewrite the previous award.”
The tribunal has posted the matter to July 22 for further hearing.
