El Niño Adds to Telangana’s Water Woes, Along with KCR’s Failures - Uttam Kumar Reddy

Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the state’s current water crisis is the result of two major factors: the global impact of El Niño and alleged failures in irrigation planning during the previous BRS government. Speaking to the media at the Assembly on September 7, he said farmers were facing difficulties due to reduced water availability and criticised the previous government’s handling of major irrigation projects. He alleged that around ₹1.81 lakh crore was spent on irrigation during the 10-year BRS rule, yet several key projects remained incomplete.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also criticised the BRS over the Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation project and raised questions about the Kaleshwaram project after reported structural concerns. He said the Congress government was taking steps to complete pending projects, restore the Kaleshwaram barrages with expert advice and protect available water resources for the coming summer. He further said Telangana had effectively used its fair share of Krishna water during the last three water years and would continue to fight for the state’s rights over Krishna and Godavari waters through all available legal and institutional forums.