Mulugu, Feb 22 (TNT) : Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday said the State government is committed to completing the Devadula Project within two years and protecting Telangana’s rights over Godavari waters.
Speaking at a review meeting of the Devadula Project in the district, Revanth Reddy said the Godavari water dispute had been politicised and that allegations and false propaganda would not help at a time when efforts are being made to make north Telangana agriculturally prosperous.
He stated that irrigation projects in Telangana were neglected during the united Andhra Pradesh era and said that projects such as Pranahita, SRSP and Devadula should have been completed earlier to fully utilise the State’s 967 TMC share of water.
The CM noted that the Devadula Project, which began with an estimated cost of ₹6,000 crore, has now escalated to ₹18,500 crore.
Despite the State facing a debt burden of ₹8.11 lakh crore, the government has the determination to complete pending irrigation projects within two years and will soon sanction funds for Devadula, he said.
The Chief Minister said all projects on the Godavari river from Tummidihatti to Bhadrachalam would be completed.
He reiterated that Telangana would not give up its rights over net and flood waters of the Godavari and proposed a detailed discussion on the issue during the upcoming Assembly Budget session.
Referring to the Kaleshwaram project, the CM said an expert committee has been constituted to examine technical issues and ensure that the project is restored to full utility.
“Kaleshwaram is public property, built with people’s money. We will not abandon it,” he said.
Dismissing allegations that the State government was attempting to divert water to neighbouring States, the Chief Minister said no elected representative from Telangana would act against the interests of the State.
He added that complex water disputes can be resolved through dialogue or legal means if necessary.
He reiterated the government’s goal of providing irrigation water to every field and drinking water to every citizen.
Revanth Reddy said the government remains open to constructive suggestions while focusing on development rather than political rhetoric.
Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Ponguleti Srinivasreddy were also present.
TNT TS
Leave a Reply