Telangana CM Orders Probe into Controversial PRLIS Project Amid Water Disputes with Andhra Pradesh

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Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced an inquiry into the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) project, which was initiated by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. The project's source was shifted from Jurala to Srisailam backwaters, increasing costs and technical complexity. According to Revanth Reddy, the project's cost escalated from ₹32,000 crore to ₹84,000 crore due to the change in source. The chief minister alleged that the previous BRS government prioritized commissions over public interest, leading to a 'tail-end' water draw rather than the 'head reach'. This resulted in increased stages, pumps, and a significant rise in project costs. Revanth Reddy also accused the BRS government of not securing cabinet approval for the change in project source and avoiding assembly discussions to avoid exposure. Highlighting the disparity in Krishna waters utilization between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Revanth Reddy stated that Andhra Pradesh has created infrastructure to draw up to 13.37 TMC ft of water per day, while Telangana can only draw 0.25 TMC ft daily. He alleged that the BRS government obtained permission for only 7.15 TMC ft by branding PRLIS as a drinking water project. Revanth Reddy also criticized the BRS government for launching motivated criticism to cover up past 'grave mistakes' on river water allocations. He emphasized that Telangana was formed to secure its rightful water share and is now correcting historical injustices. The chief minister recalled that water sharing arrangements between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were finalised after K Chandrasekhar Rao became Telangana chief minister and N Chandrababu Naidu took charge in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that KCR had signed an agreement consenting to the allocation of 299 TMC of net waters to Telangana and 511 TMC to Andhra Pradesh. In response, BRS working president K T Rama Rao accused Revanth Reddy of exposing his ignorance on the irrigation subject. Rama Rao pointed out that the BRS government had written 28 letters to the Centre demanding water distribution in a 50:50 ratio in Krishna waters until the Brijesh Tribunal's final award. The controversy comes as Telangana demands a 79% share of Krishna waters, while Andhra Pradesh seeks a 21% share. The Brijesh Kumar Tribunal process is expected to conclude in eight months, with Telangana hoping for a favorable verdict.