TS, AP ends Sagar dispute to save crops

Hyderabad, Feb 14 (INN): Following intervention of Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, K Chandrashekar Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu, have agreed to end the on-going dispute over sharing of Nagarjuna Sagar water.

During the meeting convened by the Governor on Saturday morning at Raj Bhavan, both the Chief Ministers were firm on their contention over their rights over Nagarjuna Sagar water, Narasimhan convinced them to find an amicable solution, at least for the time being. Subsequently, it was agreed that steps would be taken to protect the standing crops in both the States.

It may be mentioned that a major controversy erupted after the Telangana Government has prevented AP Government from releasing water for irrigation needs to Krishna Delta from Sagar’s right bank canal while accusing it utilising 43 TMC of excess water. Tension prevailed at the Dam on Friday after the officials and police personnel from both the States tried to gain control over the Dam’s right bank canal. Following escalation of tension, Naidu called up KCR and offered to meet at Raj Bhavan on Saturday to find an amicable solution.

Besides both the Chief Ministers, Irrigation Ministers – Devineni Uma Maheshwara Rao (AP) and T Harish Rao (TS) and senior officials of both the States participated in the meeting held at Raj Bhavan. Both the States presented their version before the Governor. The Governor first elicited the individual views of both the Chief Minister by speaking to them separately. Later, he made Naidu and KCR sit together to find a solution.

Briefing to media persons later, Harish Rao and Uma Maheshwara Rao informed that the talks were successful and it has been agreed upon to protect the interests of farmers of both the States. They said available water in Nagarjuna Sagar Dam would be used judiciously by both the States, in consultation with the Centre. Irrigation Engineers-in-Chief (ENCs) of both the states would discuss and decide on release of water. Except for Irrigation Department officials, police personnel or officials of other department or activists of any political parties would be allowed near the Dam. They also informed that both the Chief Ministers have also agreed to resolve contentious issues by holding direct negotiations. Further, the ministers and officials concerned would meet from time to time to resolve the disputes, if any.