Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has called for the Centre's intervention to resolve the long-standing Tungabhadra water sharing dispute. In a letter to the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Reddy highlighted that silt accumulation on Telangana's side of the Right Deep Sluice (RDS) was identified as another critical obstacle to effective water diversion.
Key Concerns Raised by CM Reddy
The chief minister pointed out that the accumulation of silt has significantly reduced the water carrying capacity of the RDS, affecting the state's ability to draw its rightful share of water from the Tungabhadra dam. He urged the central government to direct the Tungabhadra Board to take immediate steps for desilting and maintenance of the infrastructure.
According to officials, the silt buildup has been a persistent issue, with estimates suggesting that the RDS has lost nearly 30% of its designed capacity over the past decade. This has led to reduced water availability for irrigation and drinking water purposes in the affected regions of Telangana.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The Tungabhadra water sharing agreement, originally signed between the erstwhile states of Madras and Hyderabad, has been a source of contention between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The dam, located on the border of the two states, is crucial for agriculture and drinking water supply in both regions.
In his letter, Reddy noted that despite several rounds of discussions, no concrete action has been taken to address the silt problem. He emphasized that the Centre's intervention is necessary to ensure equitable distribution of water as per the existing agreements.
Impact on Farmers and Residents
The reduced water flow due to silt accumulation has directly impacted farmers in the command areas of Telangana. Many have reported lower crop yields and increased reliance on groundwater, which is depleting rapidly. Local residents in towns like Mahabubnagar and Gadwal have also faced drinking water shortages during peak summer months.
"The situation is becoming untenable for us," said a farmer from the region, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We have been demanding desilting of the RDS for years, but nothing has been done. We hope the Chief Minister's appeal to the Centre brings some relief."
Next Steps and Government Response
The Union Jal Shakti Ministry has acknowledged receipt of the letter and assured that the matter will be examined. Sources indicate that a meeting of the Tungabhadra Board may be convened soon to discuss the issue. Telangana officials have also been asked to submit a detailed report on the extent of silt accumulation and the required remedial measures.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over water sharing, with both states accusing each other of violating agreements. The Centre's role as a mediator is seen as crucial to preventing further escalation.
