In an address at a press conference on Sunday, Andhra Pradesh’s Water Resources Minister, Nimmala Ramanaidu, expressed the state’s need for water resources over political battles. The minister highlighted the ongoing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding the utilization of Godavari River and questioned the rationale behind objections towards using water downstream through Polavaram while thousands of TMCs are being wasted into the sea annually.
Ramanaidu accused the YSRCP of exploiting Telangana-related disagreements for political gain, specifically referencing the delay in implementing the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme. He emphasized that if Telangana can utilize Godavari water through the Kaleshwaram project, there should be no issue with Andhra Pradesh doing the same downstream via Polavaram.
The minister expressed concern over the immense amount of Godavari water being discharged into the sea each year and proposed that a portion of this water could significantly alleviate drought-stricken regions in the state. He urged for a comprehensive solution to address the issue, stressing the importance of ensuring sustainable access to water resources for both agricultural and domestic purposes.
The Andhra Pradesh government has been vocal about its concerns regarding water scarcity and the need for effective irrigation systems, particularly in drought-prone regions like Rayalaseema. The ongoing dispute over the utilization of Godavari water is expected to continue as both states seek to secure their rights to this crucial river system.
