Hyderabad: The Centre has convened a crucial meeting with the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in Delhi on July 16 to address the long-standing disputes over Krishna and Godavari river water allocations.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti will chair the meeting, which will be attended by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Sources said CM Revanth Reddy is expected to press for increased allocations of Krishna and Godavari water to Telangana, as well as immediate approvals for pending irrigation projects. The state will also seek financial assistance from the Centre for ongoing works.
The Telangana government is likely to argue that it has rightful claims over both river basins, and that the water-sharing arrangements must reflect current needs and equitable access. The state will also call for a swift finalisation of Krishna water allocations and urge the Centre to endorse and fund the state’s irrigation proposals.
Officials said the meeting may also help resolve the emerging dispute over the Bankacharla project being constructed by Andhra Pradesh on the Godavari, which Telangana has objected to.
A statement from the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that firm representations will be made at the meeting to assert Telangana’s rights and secure long-pending clearances.
