Mulugu, Feb 22 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday said his government is open to dialogue with neighbouring states to resolve inter-state river water disputes and is ready for a detailed debate in the Assembly on utilisation of Godavari waters.
Reviewing the Devadula irrigation project with senior officials in Mulugu district, Revanth Reddy asserted that Telangana would protect its rights over both assured and flood waters of the Godavari.
He said the government would first pursue discussions to settle disputes amicably and approach courts only if required.
He reiterated that all irrigation projects between Tummidihatti and Bhadrachalam on the Godavari would be completed in a phased manner.
He said the Devadula project, whose cost has escalated from ₹6,000 crore to ₹18,500 crore, would receive immediate funding support despite the State’s debt burden of ₹8.11 lakh crore.
On the Kaleshwaram project, the Chief Minister said the government has constituted an expert committee to examine technical aspects and ensure its effective utilisation. “Kaleshwaram is a public asset built with people’s money. We will not abandon it,” he said.
Stating that irrigation projects in Telangana were neglected in the united Andhra Pradesh era, he said the State would have been able to utilise its full 967 TMC share had earlier governments completed projects such as Pranahita, SRSP and Devadula on time.
The Chief Minister said the government’s focus remains on providing irrigation to every acre and drinking water to every household, adding that political differences should not obstruct long-term development goals.
TNT KS
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