In a significant appeal for regional harmony, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday emphasized the critical need for cooperation over confrontation in resolving long-standing river water disputes with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Speaking after inaugurating a fluid plant in Maheshwaram, Reddy made a direct pitch to his Andhra counterpart, N Chandrababu Naidu, urging him to avoid creating hurdles for irrigation projects on the Krishna river.
A Call for Dialogue Over Litigation
Revanth Reddy explicitly stated that the Telangana government and the Congress party seek amicable and permanent solutions, not political mileage, from water sharing issues. He advocated for resolving conflicts through direct dialogue instead of prolonged legal battles. "Please cooperate with Telangana. Instead of going to courts and other platforms, we can solve these issues through dialogue," the Chief Minister asserted. He framed the choice starkly: "If anyone asks me what we need, dispute or water? I want water. And if asked whether we need conflict or solution, I want a permanent solution."
Economic Goals Hinged on Resource Security
Revanth Reddy linked the resolution of water disputes directly to Telangana's ambitious economic vision. The state aims to become a $1 trillion economy by 2037 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047. He identified reliable electricity and water as non-negotiable prerequisites for attracting the industries and investments needed to hit these targets. However, he pointed out that objections raised by Andhra Pradesh to Krishna river projects, originally approved during the era of the undivided state, are blocking Telangana from securing essential environmental and central water clearances.
This stalemate has severe financial repercussions. Telangana is unable to access bank loans and central assistance under schemes like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), where the Centre bears 60% of project costs. "So, the financial burden is increasing on Telangana," Reddy explained. He further highlighted the state's infrastructural needs, including cooperation from Andhra Pradesh to develop connectivity to the ports of Machilipatnam and Krishnapatnam.
Mutual Benefits of Bipartisan Cooperation
The Chief Minister called on public representatives from all parties in both states to rise above politics for the sake of development, job creation, and unlocking investments. He presented cooperation as a two-way street with mutual benefits. Revanth Reddy noted that Andhra Pradesh would also need Hyderabad's established ecosystem of industries, IT, and skilled professionals for the development of Amaravati. "Cooperation between the two states is in their mutual interest," he affirmed.
Revanth Reddy concluded by stating his government's commitment to continued discussions not only with Andhra Pradesh but also with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu to find lasting solutions based on shared development. "If any state takes one step towards cooperation, Telangana will take ten steps," he pledged, reiterating that safeguarding the interests of the people and farmers remains his government's top priority.
