MPs spar over Krishna water

The Centre on Thursday made it clear in the Lok Sabha that it will neither entertain nor interfere in allocation of waters to various projects in the states, especially in TS and AP as adjudication of various issues concerning both the states was entrusted to Krishna Tribunal-II.

Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, asking the government to allot more water to irrigation projects in drought-hit Rayalaseema.

However, minister of state for water resources Sanjay Baliyan had said it was for the Tribunal to make allocations and it was not the responsibility of the Central government.

He also suggested it was for AP and TS to come for negotiations to settle disputes like allocations of water for various projects.

Raising a supplementary question, Karimnagar MP B. Vinod Kumar (TRS) asked Mr Baliyan what has happened to the fate of the TS government’s petition to the Centre three years ago, seeking redistribution of Krishna waters for Telangana with a demand to refer the matter to Tribunal.

Cited the example of AP having exclusive right to waters from Pennar River since it flows in its territory Mr Kumar asked: “Why cannot it be same in the case of Krishna river which flows through Telangana territory.”

Hearing this, MPs from AP reacted by raising their voice and condemning the statement by saying that such things cannot be allowed.

TRS MPs present in the House also raised their voice and exchanged words with the AP MP for some time.

MOS SANJAY Baliyan said that a report by a highlevel committee headed by A.K. Bajaj would be submitted to the Centre shortly