Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in Delhi, seeking an immediate halt to the Banakacherla link project being pursued by Andhra Pradesh.
The state delegation urged the Centre to reject the feasibility report submitted for the Godavari-Banakacherla project and to stop the process of tenders and other permissions related to it. Telangana MPs Mallu Ravi and Raghuveer Reddy and senior officials were also present at the meeting.
The Telangana government has consistently opposed the Banakacherla project, arguing it would cause serious injustice to the state. Minister Uttam had earlier written to the Union Minister asking for immediate cancellation of the detailed project report, revocation of environmental clearances, and freezing of tender activity.
At Wednesday’s all-party meeting called by the CM, MPs across parties agreed to raise the issue nationally. Revanth Reddy said Telangana was prepared to fight the project in court if necessary.
The delegation also plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav during the upcoming Parliament session to explain Telangana’s objections and press for cancellation of the project.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kishan Reddy reportedly sought clarity on the matter from CR Patil and indicated that no decision would be taken without talks with both states.
The Andhra Pradesh government has maintained that the Banakacherla project pertains only to surplus waters and that it would proceed after securing required approvals from the Centre. It claimed no injustice would be caused to Telangana.
