The Hindu Business Line : AP to move Centre, SC to resolve water row

The Andhra Pradesh Government plans to seek Centre’s and river water tribunal’s intervention in resolving the inter-State River Water Disputes, while opening up channels to stall illegal construction by raising the matter in the Supreme Court.

The matter of inter-State river water disputes and construction of reservoirs in violation of the river water tribunal award is being intensely debated, with Andhra Pradesh being an aggrieved party.

The neighbouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra are impounding more water than what was allocated to them. This has resulted in poor inflows to the State. Members across political parties today expressed concern and wanted the State to seek Centre’s help to stop further illegal constructions.

Govt steps

Answering a query on the measures the State Government had initiated to stall illegal construction work on river systems, the Major Irrigation Minister, Mr Ponnala Lakshmaiah, said that the State Government had invoked the provisions of Section -9 (A) of Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, to collect and verify data on water utilisation.

Based on the findings, it is proposed to seek legal remedy and also explore stalling all constructions till further orders.

The Government mentioned that it was open to other constitutional measures, including approaching the respective States not to carry out such illegal activities.

Most of the construction activity is on the Krishna and Godavari river systems.

Unsatisfied by the Government reply and initiatives taken, the Telengana Rastriya Samithi members lodged a protest.

The State Government has also approached the Supreme Court to stop the illegal construction of Babhli project in Maharashtra and Paragodu project in Karnataka.

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