Contentious Godavari-Banakacharla River Linking Sparks Tension Between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

In a move reflecting the escalating water disputes between states, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy fervently appealed to Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil to dismiss the Pre Feasibility Report of the Godavari-Banakacharla river linking project submitted by Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy, during a meeting in Delhi, argued that the proposed project significantly undermines Telangana's interests, contravening the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award of 1980 and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014. He highlighted the necessity of a joint decision-making process involving an apex council.

Additionally, Reddy urged rapid resolution of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-2 and sought central funding for the Musi river rejuvenation. Meanwhile, C R Patil assured a forthcoming apex council meeting to address these concerns, as the project has sparked vigorous debate within the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)