Telangana, Karnataka Hold Positive Talks on Krishna Water Utilisation: Minister Uttam
Hyderabad, May 25 (TNT) :Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday said Telangana and Karnataka held positive discussions on utilisation of Krishna River waters, with both states agreeing to move forward while protecting mutual interests.
Speaking after holding talks with Karnataka Minor Irrigation Minister N.S. Boseraju at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat here, Uttam said the discussions focused on irrigation and drinking water requirements of both states and issues relating to Krishna River water utilisation.
He said the discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere based on mutual understanding and aimed at ensuring future policies and projects benefit both states.
The Telangana Minister stated that the state’s concerns and proposals related to protection of irrigation rights and future water requirements were comprehensively conveyed to the Karnataka delegation.
Uttam said detailed technical discussions were also held on the proposed barrage construction on the Krishna River and stressed that project designs should not adversely affect Telangana’s interests.
According to him, the talks focused on safeguarding the rights of both states in equitable utilisation of Krishna waters for irrigation and drinking purposes.
He said Telangana accorded top priority to protecting farmers’ irrigation needs during the discussions and proposals were presented for resolving drinking water issues through coordinated inter-state efforts.
The Minister stated that the outcome of the discussions would be briefed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, following which a collective decision would be taken.
The meeting was attended by Telangana Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Vakiti Srihari, State Planning Commission Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy and senior irrigation officials from both Telangana and Karnataka.
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