The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of playing politics over critical inter-state water issues instead of engaging in constructive dialogue for cooperative river management.
Official Records Counter Telangana's Claims
The strong reaction came from state Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu following Reddy's statement in the Telangana assembly. Reddy had claimed that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stalled the Rayalaseema lift irrigation scheme after a personal request. Dismissing this, Ramanaidu pointed to official data showing that a staggering volume of nearly 3,000 TMC ft of Godavari water flows into the sea unused every year.
He argued that allowing such a massive quantity of precious freshwater to go to waste is against public interest, especially when vast regions in both states grapple with recurring water scarcity. "When surplus water is already entering the downstream state, what is the objection if AP uses it for drinking and irrigation needs?" the minister questioned.
Need for Institutional Mechanism, Not Rhetoric
Minister Ramanaidu emphasised that river water management falls under the jurisdiction of the Central government and statutory river boards, not under the unilateral political pronouncements of individual states. He stressed that issues of this magnitude require institutional mechanisms and coordinated efforts.
"Rhetoric and accusations cannot resolve complex inter-state water-sharing concerns," he stated. He highlighted the geographical reality: Andhra Pradesh is a downstream state while Telangana is upstream. Historically, projects built by upstream states have directly impacted downstream regions. While AP had raised concerns in the past when upstream projects affected its interests, the roles are now seemingly reversed.
"Even when the downstream state takes up works to utilise excess flows, objections are raised and cases are filed in courts," Ramanaidu added, expressing frustration over the legal hurdles.
Allegations of Political Mileage and Double Standards
The minister accused Telangana's leaders of targeting Andhra Pradesh and its chief minister for short-term political gains, sacrificing broader public welfare. He drew a parallel between two major projects, questioning the apparent inconsistency in their treatment.
"The Polavaram project in AP received statutory clearances in a manner similar to the Kaleshwaram project in Telangana. Why are double standards being applied now?" he challenged.
When asked if the state preferred water or conflict, Ramanaidu asserted that Andhra Pradesh will always choose water, not dispute. He noted that this pragmatic approach had previously ensured water availability even in the drought-prone Rayalaseema region during peak summer. Concluding on a conciliatory note, he emphasised the need for cooperation so that both Telugu states and their people can prosper together, expressing confidence that justice and reason would ultimately prevail.
