No need to conflict; effective Godavari water utilization can end drought in Andhra, Telangana: Naidu

Nandyal: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said effective utilisation of Godavari water flowing into the sea can permanently end drought in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Key meeting in Delhi

Naidu made these remarks after attending a crucial meeting with Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil in Delhi on Wednesday, where both states discussed long-pending river water disputes.

The meeting decided to set up a committee of officials and engineers to resolve issues, including Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Godavari-Banakacherla link project, which Telangana has objected to and urged the Centre not to approve.

‘No need for conflict’

Addressing beneficiaries after releasing water under Handri-Neeva Phase-1 from Mallelapadu Pumping Station in Nandyal district, Naidu said, “We discussed water issues constructively. There’s no need for conflict. We should operate on a give-and-take basis. If both states harness Godavari water flowing into the sea, droughts in Rayalaseema and Telangana will become history.”

Long years of service

Naidu reminded people of his administrative experience, saying, “I served as chief minister for nine-and-a-half years in united Andhra and ten years as Opposition Leader. Post-bifurcation, I’ve led the new Andhra as chief minister. I work for the people, and minor obstacles will not stop our development journey.”

River Management Boards

The meeting also decided to set up the Godavari River Management Board in Hyderabad and the Krishna River Management Board in Vijayawada. Naidu added that Andhra Pradesh would fund the Srisailam plunge pool works.

Handri-Neeva milestone

Calling the release of water under Handri-Neeva Phase-1 an unforgettable moment, Naidu said this milestone was part of the long journey to transform Rayalaseema’s destiny through assured irrigation.

He announced that Phase 2 of Handri-Neeva would soon be completed, bringing water to reservoirs in Satya Sai and Annamayya districts, ultimately irrigating six lakh acres. The expansion would transfer an additional 17 TMC of water in four months, boosting groundwater levels and agriculture.

Rayalaseema Declaration

Reiterating the NDA government’s commitment to developing Rayalaseema, Naidu said, “For some, Seema means politics and bloodshed. For me, Seema means water, progress, and people’s future. Through horticulture and industry, Seema will one day surpass Konaseema in per capita income.”