Question dams on Godavari: Expert

Mr Vedire Sriram, an adviser to the Union minstry for water resources and Ganga Rejuvenation Project, said that if the Telangana state government did not work in accordance with a long-term visionary plan for the utilisation of Godavari water in the state, it would prove to be a grave mistake which would cause future generations to suffer.

Mr Sriram has recently written a book, Optimal Utilization of Godavari Waters – National and Telangana Perspective, in which he has proposed the construction of a series of barrages across the river.

He was in Hanamkonda on Monday to make a presentation and participate in a discussion regarding the optimal utilisation of Godavari water which was organised by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) and the Telangana Intellectuals Forum.

“In Telangana state, there is good rainfall through which groundwater can be recharged. There is also potential for the development of irrigation projects here. However, proper execution is needed. Instead of going ahead with whatever the state government proposes, people need to develop a questioning attitude and a technical aptitude. Farmers in the state do not need loan waivers and free electricity. Give them water and they can grow gold. The state government must take steps in that direction,” he said.

He asked the TJAC and the TVV to spearhead the movement in cooperation with opposition parties in the state.

TJAC chairman Prof. M. Kodandaram said the erstwhile district of Warangal would benefit the least from the irrigation projects proposed by the state government. He said that further discussions would need to be conducted in order for a movement to be launched on behalf of the people. “This is just the beginning; soon we will plan a roundtable conference regarding this matter. The state government must not obstruct development in the state for its personal needs,” he said.