VIJAYAWADA: In a strong rebuttal to Telangana’s objections over the Banakacharla project, Legal and Minority Welfare Minister NMD Farooq on Monday accused the neighbouring State of hypocrisy and double standards on the use of Godavari River waters.
Speaking at a press conference in Amaravati, Farooq said Telangana had constructed major irrigation projects, including Kaleshwaram, Palamuru-Rangareddy, Sammakka Sagar, and Gouravelly, without obtaining the required Central or environmental clearances. “If Telangana can divert Godavari water freely, why is Andhra Pradesh being targeted for using its rightful share?” he asked.
He emphasised that the Polavaram–Banakacharla link project aims to divert only 200 TMC of floodwaters that otherwise flow into the Bay of Bengal. “This season alone, 813 TMC has already been wasted. We are only trying to tap floodwater that would otherwise go unused,” he said.
Farooq pointed out that the Godavari receives significant inflows from tributaries like Sabari, Sileru, and Taliperu, many of which merge within Andhra Pradesh’s territory. “Sabari alone contributes 270 TMC annually. Are we expected to just watch it flows into the sea?” he questioned.
Citing Clause 4 of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award, Farooq said Andhra Pradesh has legal entitlement to divert unutilised water to other basins.
He added that Telangana had invoked the same clause while executing the Kaleshwaram and Sitarama Sagar lift projects.
Calling on Telangana to stop politicising water-sharing, Farooq said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu remains committed to optimal and equitable water utilisation across both Telugu states.
“This is not about rivalry. It’s about protecting our drought-hit regions, especially Rayalaseema,” Farooq said.
