Congress government will block Banakacharla project at all costs: Uttam Kumar Reddy
Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday said the Congress government would not permit the Banakacharla project under any condition. He confirmed that Telangana had formally submitted its objections to the Centre and would continue to resist the project using all possible means.
He addressed the media in Hanamkonda after paying condolences to Congress MLA Donthi Madhava Reddy, whose mother passed away.
Telangana rejects Banakacharla, Almatti height proposals
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the Congress government’s commitment to protect Telangana’s share in the Krishna and Godavari rivers. He said the government had already written to Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil opposing the Banakacharla project.
“Telangana, Maharashtra, and other co-basin states have voiced objections. Harish Rao’s claim that we are silent is completely false,” he said.
The Minister also confirmed Telangana’s opposition to the proposed increase in the height of the Almatti dam. “It makes no difference who rules in Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh. Telangana’s water rights are non-negotiable,” he added.
BRS blamed for past water-sharing compromise
Uttam Kumar Reddy accused former Minister T. Harish Rao and the BRS government of compromising Telangana’s interests. He alleged that the BRS administration agreed to allocate 512 TMC of Krishna water to Andhra Pradesh while settling for just 299 TMC for Telangana out of the total 811 TMC.
“This written agreement was submitted to the Centre during the BRS regime. We rejected it,” he said.
Reddy said the Congress government had demanded a 70% share and presented the case with strong arguments before the tribunal. “I am the only Irrigation Minister in India to appear personally before the tribunal,” he noted.
Telangana argues for larger Krishna water share
The Minister explained that Telangana sought 70% of 811 TMC at 75% dependability and 734 TMC out of 1,005 TMC at 65% dependability. “We have presented both written and oral arguments. We believe justice will be served,” he said.
BRS failures and Congress initiatives in Godavari basin
On the Godavari basin, Reddy criticised the BRS for mishandling major projects. “Kaleshwaram collapsed. Medigadda is damaged. Sundilla and Annaram barrages have cracks. No water was lifted in the last 21 months,” he stated.
Yet, he said Telangana achieved the highest paddy output in India—148.5 lakh metric tonnes. “Out of this, we will procure 80 lakh metric tonnes. No other state comes close,” he said.
New progress on Tummidihatti and Sitarama projects
He pointed out that BRS failed to even begin work at Tummidihatti despite promises. “They didn’t move even a handful of soil. Now, we’ve started the Chevella–Pranahita project from Tummidihatti,” he announced.
The Minister said the Congress government had secured 67 TMC for the Sitarama project and was working with the Centre and Chhattisgarh to get 47 TMC for the Sammakka–Sarakka barrage.
Devadula, Warangal airport, and final remarks
Reddy said the government would complete all pending irrigation projects in the Warangal region, including the Devadula project. He also praised the growing public support for the Warangal airport, calling it a turning point for the city’s development.
He concluded by denouncing Harish Rao’s allegations. “This habit of spreading lies must end. The people of Telangana are watching. We have the sincerity and the strength to defend our water rights,” he said.