AP Water Resources Development Minister Dr. Nimmala Ramanaidu lamented that BRS leaders are talking nonsense on the Polavaram- Banakacharla project. He made it clear that there is no damage to the upstream states due to this project and only salt water that meets the sea will be provided to the drought-affected areas. He questioned what is wrong in using water that goes to waste?
He reminded that in the last 50 years since 1975, 1,53,000 TMC of water has gone to the sea in waste. He said that this year, 600 TMC of water has already gone to the sea. He said that if Andhra Pradesh does not utilize the flood water coming to Polavaram, it will go to the sea. He questioned whether it was the then CM KCR who had previously said that he would make a Ratana Seema for Rayalaseema with the waters of Godavari?
He asked whether it is reasonable to change his mind now? “What is wrong with using water that goes to waste in the sea? Is it a crime to provide water to farmers?” he asked sharply. He said that BRS leaders are inciting regional hatred. He said that BRS accused that BRS leaders are spreading misinformation about the Godavari-Banakacharla project as the local body elections are approaching.
Nimmala said that they are trying to incite regional hatred among Telugu people like brothers. He reminded that the Telangana government had constructed many projects like Kaleshwaram and Sitaramasagar without permission, and Andhra Pradesh did not stop it at that time. He asked how reasonable it was to talk about a project that was in its initial stage, the rules of which were not followed for those projects?
Minister Ramanaidu pointed out that the projects undertaken by Telangana in violation of the AP Reorganization Act still do not have the permission of the Apex Council. He questioned whether it was true that the Apex Council meeting held in 2016 had said that there was a water shortage of 1000 TMC in the Krishna basin and that Godavari flood water should be provided?
“There were no ill intentions to block Telangana projects then, and there are none now. The TDP policy is to ensure the well-being of Telugu regions and Telugu people,” he clarified. Nimmala said that Andhra Pradesh suffers a loss of 2 to 4 thousand crores due to floods every year, why is it not asking for a share of that loss, and why is it objecting to the mere use of water that is being wasted?