Alochanaparula Vedika, a forum of intellectuals, has expressed concern over recent media reports on the use of Krishna and Godavari river waters and inter-state irrigation projects and has sought clarification from the Andhra Pradesh government on issues allegedly discussed during Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s recent meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the leaders of the forum — AB Venkateswara Rao, Kambhampati Paparao, Akkineni Bhavani Prasad, T. Lakshminarayana, Nalamothu Chakravarthy and Jonnalagadda Rama Rao — said media reports indicated that proposals potentially harmful to the interests of Andhra Pradesh figured in the discussions. They asked whether the Chief Minister or the Minister of State for Water Resources had accepted, rejected or remained silent on these proposals.
Referring to reports of the Krishna river water dispute, the forum claimed that the settlement between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was tied to Andhra Pradesh giving approval to the Palamuru-Rangareddy irrigation scheme, which it pointed out was not included in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014.
The forum also objected to reports of the proposed linking of the Sammakka-Sarakka Lift Irrigation Scheme with Nagarjuna Sagar as part of the Godavari-Cauvery river linking project. It warned that the diversion of Godavari waters upstream from the Polavaram project could adversely affect the irrigation and water interests of Andhra Pradesh.
The leaders demanded clarification on central funding for the Polavaram project, its completion at the approved full tank level of 45.72 meters and rehabilitation measures for the displaced families. They also urged the Center to set up a tribunal to adjudicate Godavari water disputes.
At the same time, the forum welcomed the state government’s opposition to Karnataka’s proposal to increase the height of Almatti dam.
Published – 12 May 2026 20:25 IST
