Inter-State Water Dispute: Telangana Opposes Godavari Diversion, Approves Legal Action Against Andhra’s Banakacherla Project

The Telangana Cabinet, under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, has passed a resolution firmly opposing Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Godavari-Banakacherla water diversion project.

It also cleared the way for legal action against what it terms an illegal move to redirect Godavari waters, The New Indian Express reported.

“The Telangana government would not allow Andhra Pradesh to divert a single drop of Godavari water illegally,” declared Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.

He pointed out that the project was originally greenlit by the previous BRS government, noting that “in 2016, at the Apex Council meeting, former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao agreed to divert 400 tmcft of Godavari water to the Penna basin.”

In addition to initiating legal steps, the Cabinet resolved to brief elected representatives in early July on the state’s stance before the Union government.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kaleshwaram project, stating it will furnish additional details sought by Justice PC Ghose before the 30 June deadline.

“The previous rulers claim that this project had Cabinet approval. We will submit all details related to the implementation of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla works,” Srinivasa Reddy said.

Among other key decisions, the Cabinet cleared the southern segment of the 201 km Regional Ring Road (Choutuppal–Sangareddy), the installation of Telangana Talli statues in all collectorates by 9 November, and the new state Sports Policy and Vision–2047.

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