Harish Rao alarmed by Centre's plan to give Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar projects to KRMB

HYDERABAD: Former Telangana minister and BRS MLA T Harish Rao on Friday raised serious concerns over the alleged plan to bring the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar joint irrigation projects under the control of the Centre through the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB).

Rao, fearing adverse consequences for Telangana, emphasised the need to address the potential adverse impact of bringing both projects under the purview of the KRMB.

Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan on Friday, Harish Rao underscored the vital importance of water to Telangana's interests. He urged the state government to prioritize matters impacting the welfare and development of the state. Rao expressed concern that Andhra Pradesh might gain benefits at the potential expense of losses for Telangana.

Recalling that the BRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao in July 2021 strongly opposed the combined projects under the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB). Although conditions were outlined in previous discussions, the Center had yet to accept them. The key conditions put forward by Telangana included 50-50 Distribution of Krishna water between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, specific conditions were outlined to safeguard Telangana’s interests in hydropower generation, conditions specified for the release of water from Srisailam to Nagarjuna Sagar, formation of Apex Committee before any decision on KRMB and request for the release of unused water in one year for utilization in subsequent years.

Harish Rao raised critical questions about the feasibility of bringing combined projects under the KRMB, particularly when Telangana’s share in Krishna waters remains uncertain. He advocated for a balanced 50-50 distribution of Krishna water between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Specific conditions were laid out regarding hydropower generation, allocation of irrigation water, and the release of water from Srisailam to Nagarjuna Sagar.

Expressing deep concern over recent developments, Rao highlighted the alleged blind agreement by the state government to concede control to the KRMB. He warned of severe repercussions on hydropower generation, estimating a potential loss of about 5,000 million units if projects are transferred.

The former Minister detailed alarming issues, noting that such a move could disrupt on-demand electricity generation, as the KRMB application process might lead to grid collapses. Rao emphasized the quick generation capability of hydroelectricity compared to the time-consuming nature of thermal power generation.

Furthermore, Rao sounded the alarm about the impact on projects under construction, particularly citing the KRMB’s effect on the left canal ayacut of Nagarjuna Sagar. Rao raised concerns about potential risks to Hyderabad’s drinking water supply.

Talking about the concerns raised by the BRS chief, Rao said that there would be issues with the left canal ayacut of Nagarjuna Sagar, crucial for irrigation, concerns over the possible impact on Hyderabad’s drinking water supply sourced from Krishna. The government should take corrective measures and save the projects from going into the hands of KRMB or try to take it to the apex committee, he added.