HYDERABAD: As part of the pending case in the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal with regard to dispute between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states over the sharing of Krishna waters, Telangana counsel and senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan cross-examined AP engineering official KV Subba Rao in Delhi on Friday.After a three-day cross examination by Telangana advocate, the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal posted the matter to December for further arguments. The TS advocate posed critical questions to the AP irrigation official on several important issues.
In the three-day-long cross examination, the TS advocate posed as many as 237 questions including why AP required Krishna waters for Delta when the state is already diverting Godavari waters to Krishna Delta.
Telangana asks, AP answers
During Friday’s cross-examination, some of the questions asked by Vaidyanathan and answers furnished by KV Subba Rao were as follows:
Is it correct that after deducting allocation made for minor irrigation and other small projects, there is a net flow of 33 tmc in Munneru which joins Krishna river on a 75% dependable basis?
The allocations made in Munneru sub-basin are to the extent of 36.3 tmc. Yes, the net flow is 33 tmc.
I put it to you that this quantum of 33 tmc can be tapped at Munneru barrage and dropped in Nandigama branch canal at border of TS and AP for meeting the requirement for irrigation of 1,30,000 acres, presently being served by NSLC. What do you say?
The suggestion is denied.
I am asking you about the technical feasibility. As an engineer experienced in irrigation, please tell the Hon’ble Tribunal about the feasibility.
It can be technically feasible but by what means is to be decided only after making a detailed analysis of the levels of the command etc.
Lifting of water from Prakasam barrage to Nagarjuna Sagar project
Would it be feasible to lift water from Prakasam barrage and drop in Nagarjuna Sagar to avoid wastage into the sea?
The waters have to be lifted from elevation of +17 feet to +590 feet, the FRL of Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir.
At what level are the river sluices at Nagarjuna Sagar Dam?
The sill level of chute sluice is +450 feet.
I put it to you that there are river sluices other than chute sluices for power generation. What do you say?
The chute sluices I referred to are the sluices that permit releases to downstream area up to 450 feet. As far as my knowledge goes, there are no river sluices in the dam.
What is the FRL of Pulichintala Reservoir?
It is +53.34 metre.
If Godavari waters from Polavaram and Pattiseema meet the requirements for irrigation of Krishna Delta, it would be unnecessary to draw waters from Pulichintala from Krishna Delta. What do you say?
The demand at Krishna delta is 152.20 tmc but the Godavari diversion is only up to the extent of 80 tmc. The balance demand has to be met from upstream flows.
AP proposes linking Godavari and Pennar basin
Is the Andhra Pradesh exploring the possibilities of lifting water from Godavari to Rayalaseema, to the Pennar Basin?
A proposal to link Godavari and Pennar river is being explored.