Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Leaders Call for Talks to Resolve River Water Disputes

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday stressed that long-standing disputes over Krishna and Godavari river waters should be resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than prolonged legal battles.

Both leaders said disputes only harm farmers and delay development, and called for a practical and friendly approach between the two Telugu states.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urged Andhra Pradesh not to object to irrigation projects being taken up by Telangana on the Krishna river. He said projects such as the Palamuru–Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Dindi and SLBC were planned during the undivided Andhra Pradesh and were meant to serve regional needs.

He explained that objections raised by Andhra Pradesh are delaying environmental and Central Water Commission clearances, which in turn is affecting bank funding and slowing construction. “We are not interested in disputes. Our focus is only on farmers and completing projects on time,” he said.

Water Issues Should Not Become Political

Revanth Reddy said river water sharing should not be viewed as a political issue, as it affects the livelihoods of millions of farmers. He added that Telangana prefers resolving water disputes through dialogue not only with Andhra Pradesh, but also with neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Maharashtra.“Court cases alone cannot provide lasting solutions. Discussions and mutual understanding are the best way forward,” he said.

Call for Better Connectivity to Machilipatnam Port:

Stressing economic cooperation between the two states, Revanth Reddy said Telangana, which does not have a seaport, would benefit from access to Machilipatnam port. He sought Andhra Pradesh’s cooperation for developing a 12-lane expressway and railway connectivity to the port.

He also assured that Hyderabad would extend full support for the development of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s capital.

No Sense in Fighting Over Wasted Water Says AP CM:

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made similar remarks while addressing a village meeting in Rayavaram in East Godavari district. He said disputes over river water flowing into the sea were unnecessary and counterproductive.

“Instead of arguing over water that goes waste, we should focus on using it efficiently. Some people are creating divisions for political reasons, which helps no one,” he said.

Polavaram Will Benefit Both States:

Naidu said the Polavaram project, once completed, would provide irrigation and drinking water to large areas in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He added that projects such as the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme should be seen in the larger interest of the Telugu people.

He also suggested that diverting surplus Godavari water to the Krishna basin could help address drought conditions and improve agriculture in both states.