Date:17/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/17/stories/2005061708970400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

BJP threatens to intensify agitation on Telangana projects

Staff Reporter

Government urged to announce plan on Godavari waters

KARIMNAGAR: Asking the State Government to stop illegal projects on the Godavari in neighbouring Maharashtra, which are detrimental to the Telangana region's projects, the BJP senior leader and former Union Minister, Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, has threatened to intensify the agitational programme for the protection of the region's projects. He was here on Thursday to participate in the 24-hour fast and dharna in front of the Collectorate demanding stoppage of `illegal' Babli and other projects in Maharashtra.

Talking to newsmen, he suggested to the Government to approach court for protection of the SRSP and other projects in Telangana. He also asked the Government to announce a comprehensive plan for optimum utilisation of Godavari and Krishna waters for multi-purpose schemes. Expressing concern over contradictory statements by the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and the Minister for Major Irrigation, Ponnala Laxmaiah, on the utilisation of Godavari waters, he urged the Government to disclose the actual share of Godavari waters to the Telangana region.

Move flayed

He said Government's move to lift 80 tmc of Godavari water and merge with Krishna region itself was encouraging the Maharashtra for construction of Babli and other mini projects on Godavari. He criticised the Government for not examining the utilisation of Pranahita river waters for the Telangana region.

Telangana issue

About TRS leaders calling upon BJP leaders in New Delhi, he said that the TRS was the first party which was calling on opposition parties even before the introduction of Telangana statehood bill in Parliament. He asked the Government to introduce Telangana bill in Parliament.