Telugu states for optimum use of water this kharif

Hyderabad: Bolstering relations between the two Telugu states further, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments have decided to work in tandem to boost farming activity in two states from this Kharif season.

As part of continuing the cordial relations, the two states will address irrigation water needs in the Krishna delta in the ongoing farming season, officials said. The Agriculture Secretaries of the two states have already been directed to finalise the requirement of water for irrigation purpose from time to time.

The Agriculture officials will hold meetings with the Irrigation department to ensure the utilisation of water at optimum level and see that all the ayacut under Krishna get required water.

On the request of the Telangana government for immediate release of water, the AP government which had lifted four gates of the Srisailam dam on Friday lifted six more gates on Saturday following heavy inflows into the Srisailam reservoir.

This has resulted in Nagarjuna Sagar dam getting good inflows after a long gap. The right and left canal gates of Nagarjuna Sagar will be lifted on Sunday.

Telangana Education Minister G Jagadish Reddy and AP Irrigation Minister A Anil Kumar will be present at Nagarjuna Sagar dam when the gates would be lifted. Later, Reddy will release water through AMR (Alimineti Madhava Reddy) canal for local needs in Telangana.

Officials said the AP government is keen to supply required water to the Krishna delta in Krishna and Guntur districts immediately so that the farmers can speed up farming activity after the bountiful rains received by the state last week.

The kharif season was already delayed due to persistent dry spell. The only hope to restore the farming activity in two states is the utilisation of Krishna waters. The two states have already estimated water requirement under each project.

The Telangana government has requested the KRMB (Krishan River Management Board) for the release of 103 TMC of water to meet drinking and irrigation needs.

It submitted a memorandum to Chairman RK Jain to release 59 TMC to the Sagar left canal, 21 TMC of water to the left bank canal, 25 TMC to Kalwakurthy, 4 TMC to Hyderabad and another 4 TMC to Mission Bhagiratha.

The AP government urged the board to release 23 TMC of water to Pothireddypadu head regulator, 10 TMC to Sagar right canal, and 5 TMC of water to the Handri Neeva project for the farming purpose.