Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has made a strong appeal for unity and collaborative spirit between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, especially concerning critical water sharing issues. He delivered this message while addressing the 3rd World Telugu Conference in Guntur on Monday, amidst ongoing tensions over water resources between the two states.
A Call to Move Beyond Political Hostility
Asserting that political differences should not be allowed to foster hostility, Naidu emphasized that both states must work together with a sense of consensus and collective responsibility. He clarified that the conference platform was not meant for politics but for celebrating Telugu culture and language. The Chief Minister stressed that unity among the Telugu people is fundamental for holistic development, cultural preservation, and linguistic promotion.
The Critical Need for River Interlinking
Naidu pointed to the stark reality of water wastage as a central challenge. He revealed that a staggering 6,282 TMC of water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers flowed unused into the sea last year alone. Annually, about 3,000 TMC of Godavari water is wasted, even as many regions face repeated shortages.
To address this, the CM underscored the urgent necessity for large-scale river interlinking projects. He identified initiatives like the Polavaram project and the Krishna-Godavari interlinkage as critical for ensuring long-term water security and equitable distribution across regions. Naidu noted that after the state's bifurcation, Polavaram was accorded special funds and a dedicated law, highlighting its national importance.
Past Initiatives and Future Cooperation
Recalling efforts in the undivided state, Naidu listed several major irrigation projects aimed at maximizing river water use. These included the construction of the SLBC and SRBC projects to utilize Nagarjuna Sagar waters and the completion of lift irrigation schemes like Kalwakurthy, AMR, and Nettempadu.
On the Godavari, multiple lift schemes such as Gutta, Alisagar, and Devadula in Telangana, and Chagalnadu, Pushkara, and Tatipudi in Andhra Pradesh were undertaken. He specifically highlighted the Pattiseema project as a key intervention that successfully supplied Godavari water to the Krishna Delta. Naidu also mentioned that the modernization of the Krishna Delta saved water, part of which was allocated to Telangana to help complete the Bhima Lift Irrigation project.
Striking a conciliatory note, Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh never objected to Telangana's use of Godavari waters or to projects like Kaleshwaram. He reiterated that there should be no animosity, only cooperation, on water matters.
Support for Telugu Language and Culture
Beyond water issues, the Chief Minister reiterated his government's commitment to supporting the Telugu language, culture, and scholars. He announced that teachers attending the conference would be treated as being on duty. Furthermore, the government will consider requests related to appointing scholars and poets in temples to promote cultural heritage.
