Telangana Chooses Cooperation Over Conflict in River Water Dispute, Says CM Revanth Reddy

Hyderabad, Jan 2026 : Amid the continuing dispute between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the sharing of Krishna and Godavari river waters, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday struck a conciliatory note, stating that his government prefers water security and solutions over prolonged conflicts. Calling for statesmanship and dialogue, he urged both governments to rise above political considerations and work towards an amicable resolution in the larger interest of people and farmers.

Speaking at a public programme in Maheshwaram in Rangareddy district, Revanth Reddy said that Telangana’s priority was ensuring adequate water for agriculture, drinking, and development rather than engaging in legal or political disputes. “If you ask whether Telangana needs a dispute or water, I will choose water. If asked whether we want conflict or a solution, I will choose a solution,” he said, underlining his preference for dialogue and cooperation.

The Chief Minister made a direct appeal to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N. Chandrababu Naidu, requesting him not to create hurdles for irrigation and infrastructure projects across the Krishna River that were conceived during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era. “I appeal to him from this platform. Do not create obstacles for permissions to projects on the Krishna River which were proposed earlier. These delays are affecting the release of Central funds and placing an unnecessary financial burden on Telangana,” he said.

Revanth Reddy stressed that inter-state cooperation was essential not only for resolving water-sharing disputes but also for broader development goals. He pointed out that Telangana’s aspirations for port connectivity and regional economic integration required the support and understanding of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. “If the two states cooperate with each other, many problems will be resolved. Discussions with the neighbouring state will continue with this objective,” he added.

Reiterating his government’s approach, the Chief Minister said that he strongly favoured resolving disputes through dialogue rather than prolonged court battles. He made it clear that the Congress-led Telangana government had no intention of gaining political mileage from sensitive issues such as river water sharing. “We are not thinking about political gains. Our concern is the welfare of the people and the interests of farmers. I appeal to all parties to rise above politics and cooperate for a lasting solution,” he said.

Revanth Reddy also clarified that Telangana does not seek disputes with any of its neighbouring states, whether Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, or Maharashtra. “Our approach is based on mutual cooperation and understanding. Water is a shared resource, and disputes only delay development,” he observed.

His remarks came against the backdrop of comments made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on January 7, in which Naidu urged Telangana not to politicise river water-sharing issues. Naidu expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicisation of water disputes between the two Telugu states and asserted that he had never opposed irrigation projects in Telangana.

Addressing the media after reviewing the Polavaram project in Eluru district, Naidu questioned whether it was appropriate to object to the Polavaram project, which he described as crucial for Andhra Pradesh. He was referring to Telangana’s objections to the expansion of the Polavaram project and the proposed Polavaram–Nallamalla Sagar project, which aims to divert Godavari waters to the Krishna basin in Andhra Pradesh.

The Telangana government has approached the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the Polavaram–Nallamalla Sagar project, citing concerns over water diversion and its potential impact. Responding to these concerns, Naidu argued that there was nothing wrong with utilising surplus water that would otherwise flow into the sea. “Once the Polavaram project is completed, we can use surplus Godavari water to supply the Krishna basin and the Rayalaseema region. If there is excess water, it can also be supplied to Telangana,” he said.

As the debate continues, Revanth Reddy’s emphasis on dialogue and cooperation signals Telangana’s stated intent to prioritise water security and regional harmony over political confrontation.