By: B. Chandrashekhar
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has reiterated the State Government’s demand to include it in the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) to voice its concerns appropriately over sharing of the river waters and also national project status to Pranahita-Chevella lift irrigation scheme.
The two issues figured prominently among others during the meeting of Mr. Rao with Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati in New Delhi on Friday.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, Nizamabad MP K. Kavitha, Adviser to State Government on Irrigation R. Vidyasagar Rao and others.
Alternative designs
Sources stated that Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao explained to Ms. Uma Bharati the alternative designs prepared by engineers based on the suggestions of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to change design of Pranahita-Chevella project to reduce the area of submergence in Maharashtra.
He also invited the Union Minister to unveil the pylon of Mission Kakatiya programme, taken up for restoration of minor irrigation tanks in the State.
‘Positive response’
Speaking to newspersons after the meeting, Ms. Kavitha stated that the Union Minister had responded positively on all issues concerning the State.
“In all likelihood, Ms. Uma Bharati may visit the State by May 16 and unveil the Mission Kakatiya pylon in Warangal. She also expressed wish to sanction one project to Telangana on the lines of Polavaram to Andhra Pradesh,” the TRS MP said.
KCR back in Hyderabad
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister returned to the State Capital on Friday evening after wrapping up his two-day visit to Delhi to pursue issues related to the State.
Immediately on his arrival, he held a review meeting on Pranahita-Chevella project with Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, officials and engineers of the Irrigation Department and three consultants sent by the CWC.
Source: The Hindu