New projects on Godavari can't be justified now: T'gana Deputy CM

Says surplus river water share of both Telugu States should be formally determined first

- USHA PERI @ Visakhapatnam

"NEW irrigation projects on the Godavari River can only be justified after the surplus water share of both Telugu States is formally determined," said Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

Speaking to mediapersons in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, he emphasised that the responsibility of deciding water allocation rests with the Union government.

Telangana was created with water security as one of its primary objectives. "Our State has taken up projects like Indira Sagar, Rajiv Sagar, and Devadula on the Godavari. These are still under construction. Only after such projects are completed, and allocations are finalised should discussions on surplus water begin," he noted.