Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu said it was not appropriate to criticise the Polavaram project when there is abundant Godavari water.
After reviewing the project works, Chandrababu told the media that water flowing into the sea should benefit everyone.
He urged Telangana leaders to stop turning water sharing into a political issue. Chandrababu said water is not the property of any single state. He added that Telangana people should also reflect on long term cooperation.
Chandrababu said Telugu states are one people and must follow a culture of give and take. He stressed that it is unhealthy to feel satisfied about the problems of others. Decisions taken emotionally only worsen disputes.
He recalled that water was supplied from Jurala to Mahbubnagar when RTS faced shortages. He said Devadula and Kalvakurthi projects were started under his leadership. Chandrababu asked Telangana leaders who was stopping them from extending Devadula.
Calling some statements strange, he said Devadula lies upstream of the Godavari and its excess water eventually reaches Polavaram. He said Andhra Pradesh welcomed water being drawn to Manjeera and never opposed Devadula expansion.
Chandrababu said Godavari has sufficient water and saving it would benefit Telangana as well. Surplus Krishna water can be stored in Sagar and Srisailam. He added that linking Krishna and Godavari is the real solution.
He said comments on on a failed project (Rayalaseema Ethipothala) lacked meaning. Stopping water from flowing into the sea brings both benefits and challenges. Such issues must be handled with balance and planning, he said.
Chandrababu said the YSRCP government delayed Polavaram by seven years despite knowing diaphragm wall damage. He said a new diaphragm wall is being built keeping future needs in mind and will be completed by February 15.
He alleged that the previous government wasted Rs 2000 crore on a failed project and paid Rs 100 crore as NGT penalty. Chandrababu said water can be sourced from Muchumarri and mistakes of YSRCP are under inquiry.
He said inquiries will continue but governance cannot stop for them. Chandrababu added that the previous regime collapsed the system and the present government must focus on restoring development and stability.