HYDERABAD: A proposed ‘Vanta-Varpu’ programme at the Srisailam reservoir has brought renewed focus on a water-sharing dispute, with Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao accusing the Andhra Pradesh government of violating norms in water utilisation and power generation.
Addressing a presser along with MLAs Ch Vamsi Krishna and Rajesh Reddy at Gandhi Bhavan on Tuesday, Krishna Rao said public representatives from the erstwhile Mahbubnagar district had called for the protest to highlight concerns and protect farmers and residents in the Krishna basin.
Krishna Rao said established guidelines prohibit power generation once the reservoir reaches the minimum drawdown level of 834 feet (254.2 metres), and accused AP of ignoring these norms, affecting Telangana’s irrigation and drinking water supply. He said repeated representations had not yielded results, with the AP government “unresponsive”. He added that power generation was halted only after the issue was strongly raised.
Krishna Rao said the state government remained committed to protecting Telangana’s interests and that all necessary steps would be taken. He also recalled that disputes over water sharing at Srisailam had arisen in the past, including in undivided AP, when legal recourse was pursued.
“Telangana will not compromise on its rightful share of water,” the minister said, adding that the government would continue to safeguard its people.