Naidu Pushes for Friendly Water Pact

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called for an amicable and permanent settlement of river water disputes between the two Telugu states, stressing cooperation and unity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Addressing the Third World Telugu Conference in Guntur, Naidu said resolving issues like Krishna and Godavari water sharing through dialogue was essential for the collective progress of Telugu-speaking people.

Referring to ongoing disputes, including Telangana’s opposition to the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had never objected to Telangana utilising Godavari waters for projects like Kaleshwaram. He reiterated his commitment to interlinking rivers, asserting that thousands of TMC of water flowing wastefully into the sea each year must be effectively utilised for irrigation and drinking needs.

Emphasising Telugu unity beyond state boundaries, Naidu said language and culture should bind people together despite political differences. Paying tribute to N. T. Rama Rao, he recalled historic irrigation initiatives and urged Telugus worldwide to stay united, protect their mother tongue, and work collectively towards prosperity.