Telangana’s Water Rights Secured Through KCR Government’s Efforts: Harish Rao
Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao has called the interim orders by the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal a major victory for Telangana. Speaking on Friday, Rao credited the previous KCR-led government for its consistent efforts in securing a fair allocation of Krishna River waters. He highlighted that the government had always insisted on allocations being made under Section 3 of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Harish Rao welcomed the tribunal’s decision, saying it reflected the decade-long struggle of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) to ensure justice for Telangana’s water rights. He accused the Congress of trying to claim credit for this achievement, despite being responsible for the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, Section 89, which created challenges for Telangana. Rao stated that the Congress-led Central government’s actions had previously caused significant injustice to the state.
The tribunal’s interim orders validated Telangana’s demand for state-based allocations of Krishna River waters, rather than the earlier project-based method. Rao emphasised that this outcome was the result of KCR’s strategic planning and determined efforts to correct the historical wrongs inflicted by the Congress party. He added that the decision underscores the importance of KCR’s leadership during critical legal and political battles.
Rao also outlined the legal measures taken by Telangana to secure its water rights. In 2015, the state approached the Supreme Court, demanding an allocation of 575 TMC of water. Persistent efforts led to the Central government issuing Terms of Reference (TOR) to the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal in October 2023 under Section 3, a significant step toward resolving water distribution disputes. These efforts were further strengthened during Apex Council meetings held in 2020, where KCR strongly advocated for Telangana’s rights.
The BRS leader criticised Central Water Resources Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for initially resisting the referral of the case to the tribunal. Rao revealed that the minister only agreed to proceed after KCR’s relentless demands and Telangana’s withdrawal of its Supreme Court petition in June 2021. This marked an important turning point in pursuing a fair resolution.
Harish Rao concluded by stressing the need for continued efforts to secure a permanent solution under Section 3 of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act. He also called for an interim increase of 50% in water allocation for Telangana. Rao urged the state to remain vigilant and to present a strong legal case in the upcoming tribunal hearings to protect its water rights.
