PNS|Hyderabad
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Telangana Government will not accept AP’s Banakacharla Project under any circumstances, reaffirming the state’s opposition to what it sees as a threat to its rightful water share.
Addressing reporters at the secretariat, Uttam said the state had already lodged a formal complaint with the Centre regarding the project. “We met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and conveyed our objections in person. There is no question of us agreeing to this project,” he said.
He ridiculed the rationale offered by Andhra Pradesh, questioning the logic of diverting water that would otherwise flow into the sea. “How can they justify using water that merges into the ocean when rightful allocations to Telangana are pending?” he asked.
He added that Telangana would respond at the appropriate time and that the government is in the process of finalising its plan of action. “We will do whatever else is needed to protect Telangana’s interests. An action plan will be announced soon,” he said.
