Water dispute: Andhra Pradesh 'takes control' of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, triggers tensions with Telangana; Centre steps in
PTC Web Desk: Tensions have escalated between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as the former took control of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, initiating water release. Around 2 am on Thursday, approximately 700 Andhra Pradesh police personnel entered the project, opening the right canal to discharge 500 cusecs of Krishna river water per hour.
Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Ambati Rambabu initially posted a cryptic message about the release of water for drinking purposes. Later, he clarified that the action was within their rights as per the agreement between the two states.
"We haven't violated any treaty. At least 66% of Krishna water belongs to Andhra Pradesh and 34 per cent to Telangana. We've only utilised water that rightfully belongs to us. Our intent was to operate our canal within our territory," he added.
Amid rising tensions, the Central Government intervened, urging both states to adhere to the Nagarjuna Sagar water release status as of November 28. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla proposed this during a video conference with officials from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, a proposal agreed upon by both states.
To prevent further conflicts, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will supervise the dam and ensure water distribution according to the agreement.
The incident surfaced when Telangana's Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari alleged that about 500 armed Andhra Pradesh policemen damaged CCTV cameras at the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. They reportedly released approximately 5,000 cusecs of water by opening regulators at gate numbers 5 and 7.
Telangana expressed concerns about law and order disruptions during the state Assembly elections and potential adverse effects on the drinking water supply for around two crore people in Hyderabad and nearby regions.
Following the incident, two cases were filed against the Andhra Pradesh Police in Telangana's Nalgonda district. This event echoes a similar 2015 attempt by the Andhra Pradesh Police to intrude into the dam, which was thwarted by Telangana's security forces.
- With inputs from agencies
