Telangana CM K Chnadrasekhar Rao favours talks to resolve river water disputes

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday said he is willing for a dialogue on river water-related issues rather than fighting out in courts as he maintained the State would fully utilise its share of waters from Godavari and Krishna.

"Farmer interests are paramount for us. We do not need water disputes (with other states). I would prefer a dialogue rather than getting into legal tussle...Water was one of the main reasons for separate Telangana movement. So we will not compromise on the issue. We will fully utilise our share of water," Rao said in a statement issued by his office.

He alleged neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka are constructing projects on rivers which are depriving the rights of lower riparian States.

The members of A K Bajaj Committee, appointed to sort out water- related issues between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, today met the CM, the release said.

KCR apprised the committee about the "injustice" meted out to Telangana on water issues.

The Chief Minister advised Andhra Pradesh to make plans to utilise Godavari water in Kosta and Rayalaseema regions.