Karnataka Dy CM accuses AP of delaying talks on Tungabhadra

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar has alleged that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has not granted him an appointment to discuss measures to prevent the wastage of nearly 30 TMC of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir into the sea.

Speaking at the ‘Raichur Utsav’ programme on Saturday, Shivakumar expressed concern over the large-scale loss of precious river water and said he was committed to safeguarding it in the interest of farmers and the people of the region. 

“Despite repeated attempts, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has not given me time to discuss this important issue. If we are provided an opportunity, we can work together to stop the wastage of 30 TMC of Tungabhadra water and ensure justice to farmers and residents of this area,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that he was under pressure from local leaders and farming communities to address the long-pending problem of water being released downstream without adequate utilization.