HYDERABAD: Adding fuel to fire, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has sought an explanation from the Telangana government on the Dindi and Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Schemes, prompting the latter to launch a scathing attack on the AP government for raising objections to the two proposed projects on river Krishna.
The CWC move comes in the wake of a letter sent to it by the AP government last month seeking detailed project reports of the schemes. Speaking to reporters here Thursday, TS Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao breathed fire on AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. “The projects are aimed at providing water to fluoride-hit Nalgonda and parched Mahbubnagar districts besides Hyderabad. Naidu is anti-Telangana. A day will come when Andhra people living in Hyderabad will revolt against Naidu,’’ he warned.
Officially, the Telangana government shot off a letter to its AP counterpart explaining its stand on the two projects. The letter, written by principal secretary (irrigation) to his AP counterpart, clarifies that the projects are not new as is being alleged. “The Telangana government will take steps to seek approvals of statutory authorities concerned as and when required and at an appropriate time,’’ he said, adding the State government had not violated any law. He reminded his AP counterpart that the projects were conceived and sanctioned much before the division of united AP by the then State government.
As the issue hit the headlines, TRS activists hit the streets in Mahbubnagar district against the AP government and called for a district bandh on Friday. Government employees and the Telangana joint action committee extended support to the bandh.
AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, meanwhile, arrived in Delhi after a three-day tour of Japan. He is likely to meet Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on Friday and discuss the latest water dispute between the two States.