Telangana and Karnataka Conduct Constructive Discussions on Krishna River Water Allocation

Telangana's Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Monday that the state and Karnataka have engaged in productive discussions regarding the allocation and management of Krishna river water for irrigation and drinking water needs.

The Minister indicated that both states are committed to coordinating their efforts while ensuring their individual interests and future water requirements remain safeguarded. He emphasized that the two governments aim to develop an agreement that protects the interests of both Telangana and Karnataka.

Karnataka's Minor Irrigation Minister Boseraju visited the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat in Hyderabad to meet with Uttam Kumar Reddy and discuss Krishna river water utilization alongside irrigation project proposals. The delegation from Telangana included Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari, and State Planning Commission Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy.

The Karnataka contingent also included Raichur MP G. Kumar Naik, Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi, and legislators from the erstwhile Palamuru region. Senior irrigation officials and technical specialists from both states participated in the comprehensive discussions.

Following the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy described the atmosphere as cordial and characterized by constructive dialogue. He stated that the policies emerging from these talks would serve the developmental interests of both states.

Telangana presented specific proposals designed to protect the state's irrigation and drinking water requirements without compromising its legal entitlements, the Minister noted. The officials also engaged in detailed technical deliberations concerning a proposed barrage project on the Krishna river.

The discussions emphasized securing Telangana's rights to irrigation and drinking water while addressing the state's projected future needs. The Minister highlighted that Telangana put forth proposals aimed at resolving drinking water challenges through collaborative interstate mechanisms.

Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that the talks prioritized meeting the irrigation needs of Telangana's farming communities. He noted that both states examined Krishna water utilization from multiple angles, with emphasis on preserving each state's rights and prerogatives.

The Minister characterized the objective of the discussions as creating solutions that would be advantageous for both states in meeting their irrigation and drinking water requirements. He indicated that details of the meeting would be presented to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who will participate in determining the state's next course of action.