Hyderabad: Maharashtra is not coming forward to discuss with Andhra Pradesh Government the issue of submergence caused by an irrigation project, and the reason
for the neighbouring state`s attitude is the political stunt done by TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on the Babhli issue, Major Irrigation Minister P Lakshmaiah alleged on Monday.
"As much as 3855 tmc of Godavari water goes waste into the sea. Andhra Pradesh government has taken up Pranahita- Chevella project so as to benefit several districts in
Telangana.”
"Officials of the two states are supposed to discuss the compensation to be paid for submergence. But Maharashtra Government is intentionally delaying the talks over the
matter," he said. Maharashtra did not respond to the requests for talks
made by the Andhra Pradesh Government, the Minister alleged.
The friction generated between the two states by Naidu`s Babhli yatra in July is the reason for Maharashtra`s attitude, Lakshmaiah said. Noting that Andhra Pradesh has informed the Union Water Resources Ministry about the issue, he, however, appealed to the Maharashtra Government to come forward to resolve the issue amicably.
About 1,900 acres will be submerged in Maharashtra due to the project and the issue should be sorted through agreements and talks, he said.
PTI
