BRS MLAs accuse Telangana CM of letting 1,000 tmc ft Godavari water flow to Andhra Pradesh

BRS MLAs accuse Telangana CM of letting 1,000 tmc ft Godavari water flow to Andhra Pradesh The opposition in the Telangana Assembly has raised a new controversy, alleging that the state’s Chief Minister, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao, permitted a substantial volume of water from the Godavari River to be diverted into neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. According to the claims, the Medigadda Barrage, a key point on the river, released nearly 13,000 cusecs of water on Friday, a figure that critics argue exceeds permissible limits. These accusations stem from a series of statements made by several Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislators during a heated debate on water allocation..

The MLA’s contention is that the state’s water release policy favoured Andhra Pradesh at the expense of Telangana’s own irrigation and drinking water needs, especially during the ongoing drought conditions. The opposition points to the Godavari Water Management Project, a joint scheme designed to ensure equitable distribution between the two states. They argue that the recent release was a unilateral decision by the Telangana government, undermining the cooperative spirit enshrined in the project’s memorandum of understanding..

Proponents of the release, however, argue that the volume was within the technical specifications set for the project. They claim that the water was released in accordance with the pre-determined schedule to prevent upstream flooding and to maintain ecological balance downstream, which is critical for the large number of agricultural communities along the river’s lower reaches. Critics highlight that Telangana has been facing severe water scarcity, with many of its districts suffering from dwindling reservoir levels..

They argue that diverting water to Andhra Pradesh during a period of reduced inflow only exacerbates the situation, potentially leading to further shortages for farmers and households in the state. Supporters of the Chief Minister counter that the water released was primarily intended for the irrigation of Andhra Pradesh’s 12 districts, which have been historically water‑poor. They point to a 2016 memorandum that allowed for such allocations under specific circumstances, citing the need to support agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in that region..

The debate intensified after an independent hydrological study published last month revealed that the flow rate from Medigadda Barrage was indeed high, but it fell within the permissible range as defined by the Inter‑State River Water Disputes Tribunal. The tribunal’s guidelines allow for such releases to manage flood risks and maintain riverine ecosystems. Opposition leaders have demanded a transparent audit of the water release process, calling for an independent committee to investigate whether the decision complied with the tribunal’s directives and whether the state’s own water demands were adequately considered..

In response, the Telangana government issued a statement asserting that the release was a routine operation and that the state had complied with all legal and regulatory requirements. The statement also emphasised that the government had been working closely with the central authorities to ensure balanced water distribution. The controversy has also sparked concerns among environmental groups, who warn that repeated high‑volume releases could disrupt aquatic life, particularly the migratory patterns of fish species that are vital to the local economy and biodiversity..

They are calling for stricter monitoring and the implementation of real‑time data sharing between the states. Meanwhile, farmers in Telangana’s Krishna and Godavari districts are voicing their apprehensions. Several have organised protests, demanding that the state government prioritise local irrigation needs over inter‑state transfers, especially in light of the upcoming monsoon season that many expect to be below average..

The opposition MLA’s allegations have prompted a broader discussion on inter‑state water politics in India. Experts note that the Godavari, like many of the country’s major rivers, has been a source of contention due to competing demands from agriculture, industry, and domestic use across state boundaries. As the debate continues, stakeholders from both sides are preparing for a potential hearing before the Inter‑State River Water Disputes Tribunal..

The outcome of that hearing could set a precedent for how shared water resources are managed, not only between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh but across other river basins in the country. In the meantime, the Telangana Assembly remains divided, with the ruling party defending its policies and the opposition demanding accountability. The situation underscores the fragile balance between political authority and the equitable sharing of vital natural resources in a region where water is both a lifeline and a point of contention..