Stop Andhra for illegally diverting Krishna River water, Uttam asks Centre

Udaipur: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy has demanded immediate intervention of the Union government in the Krishna River water dispute concerning the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to prevent any injustice to Telangana.

Speaking at the 2nd All India State Water Ministers’ Conference-2025, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Udaipur on Tuesday, Uttam Kumar Reddy urged the Centre to take steps to stop Andhra Pradesh from ‘illegally diverting Krishna River water from the foreshore of Srisailam Dam and Nagarjuna Sagar Right Bank.’

He also insisted on the installation of telemetry instruments to monitor Krishna River water usage and called for an early resolution of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT-II) case to safeguard Telangana’s rightful share.

Pay for maintenance of irrigation projects in Telangana, Uttam asks Centre

The Telangana minister urged the Centre to fully bear the cost of desilting and desedimentation of all major and minor irrigation projects in the State, in line with support provided to similar projects in other states.

He also pointed out that the Telangana government had initiated desiltation and desedimentation efforts across major and medium irrigation projects as per the Central framework and sought financial assistance from the Centre for these initiatives.

Medigadda project

Regarding the NDSA investigation into the Medigadda project, he noted that the inquiry has been pending for several months and requested the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s intervention to ensure swift completion and a clear course of action for the Telangana government.

He also pressed for the early completion of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) inquiry into the Medigadda project, requesting a clear written recommendation from the Centre on the way forward.

Musi Riverfront Development Project

Highlighting Telangana’s ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Project, which covers 55 km of the river through Hyderabad, Uttam Kumar Reddy urged the Centre to provide full financial support, similar to the assistance extended to the Ganga and Yamuna rejuvenation projects. He stressed that the initiative aims to restore river ecology, improve sewage management and enhance urban infrastructure while ensuring sustainable water management for Hyderabad.

4,000 crore in funds sought

Uttam Kumar Reddy sought Rs 4,000 crore for the establishment of trunk and interceptor sewer networks along the Musi River and an additional Rs 6,000 crore to link the Godavari River with Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs. He emphasised that this linkage would secure Hyderabad’s drinking water supply while also ensuring the rejuvenation of the Musi River.

He further demanded expedited water allocation for the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Samakka-Sarakka Project and Sitarama Sagar Project, along with low-cost, long-term funding for ongoing irrigation projects in Telangana.