Andhra to write to centre over Telangana’s irrigation projects

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday decided to complain to the central government against the irrigation projects being built by Telangana across Krishna and Godavari rivers.

The decision to write a letter to the central government on the issue was taken at the state cabinet meeting held here.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu told reporters after the meeting that the state will complain about the manner in which Telangana is going ahead with the projects.

Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a partner in NDA central government, said the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy, Dindi and Kalwakurty projects will harm the interests of Andhra Pradesh. Pointing out that only 60-120 tmc ft (thousand mission cubic feet) water has flown into Krishna river this year, he said these projects were designed to divert 120 tmc ft.

The chief minister said as per Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the two states have to construct the projects through mutual consultations, and should sort out all issues through talks.

The TDP chief also lamented that many issues under Reorganisation Act including special status to the state and separate railway zone were not addressed.

He said the central government has not yet taken a decision on special status, while reiterating it has the responsibility to do the handholding as the state is facing financial constraints.

–IANS