VIJAYAWADA: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly criticized the Andhra Pradesh government’s policies regarding the release and utilization of Krishna River water, alleging a failure to adequately support irrigation needs and agricultural activities in the state. M.V.S. Nagi Reddy, YSRCP general secretary and former vice-chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Agriculture Mission, accused the current administration of mismanaging available water resources, particularly impacting drought-prone regions and the Krishna delta.
In a statement released on Sunday, Nagi Reddy highlighted that significant water is being released from the Jurala project, with substantial inflows reaching the Srisailam reservoir, which has surpassed its minimum drawdown level. He pointed out that Telangana has already commenced drawing water through its lift irrigation schemes, including Bhima-I, Bhima-II, Nettempadu, Koilsagar, and Kalwakurthy. In contrast, he alleged, Andhra Pradesh is delaying water releases through its own Handri-Neeva and Muchumarri lift schemes.
The YSRCP leader specifically took issue with the government’s advice to farmers in the Krishna delta against cultivating paddy during the kharif season. Nagi Reddy asserted that paddy, sugarcane, and aquaculture are the primary economic drivers in the delta region, and there is no viable alternative for the approximately 10.5 lakh acres of ayacut that rely on traditional paddy cultivation.
Further, Nagi Reddy questioned the decision to retain the entire 29 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water in the Pulichintala project, which was built to stabilize the Krishna delta, solely for drinking water needs until June 2027. He argued that this decision was made despite heavy inflows into reservoirs within the Krishna basin.
Nagi Reddy also disputed official claims regarding water being lifted through the Pattiseema project, maintaining that a combination of releases from Pattiseema and Pulichintala would be sufficient to meet irrigation demands. He emphasized that thousands of tenant farmers have already invested in cultivation and urged the government for immediate water releases to the Krishna delta, the Handri-Neeva project, and other affected areas.
The Krishna River dispute is a long-standing issue involving the sharing of water among Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) has been instrumental in allocating water shares, with historical agreements and subsequent bifurcations of states adding layers of complexity to the water-sharing arrangements. The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) plays a role in regulating and managing these shared waters, but inter-state disagreements frequently arise over allocations and usage, particularly concerning irrigation, drinking water, and power generation.
Tensions have often surfaced between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding water utilization. Telangana has historically sought a larger share of the Krishna waters, citing its larger catchment area, while Andhra Pradesh has emphasized its historical rights and established usage patterns. These disputes have led to numerous legal and administrative interventions, including proceedings before the Supreme Court and the KWDT. The effective management and equitable distribution of Krishna River water remain critical challenges for the region, impacting agriculture, economic development, and the livelihoods of millions.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
