HYDERABAD: Implementation of the Centre’s gazette notification on handing over of outlets of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects by the twin Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana isn’t happening anytime soon, primarily because the latter is yet to decide on key issues, top officials said.
The Telangana government is hesitant to give away the power stations on these projects and is yet to decide on the Peddavagu project, with officials saying it will take some more time before any clarity is achieved.
According to sources, the Telangana government is also awaiting a report on these projects from a committee formed on six outlets (canals and regulators) before handing them over to the Krishna River Board Management (KRMB). The government instructed the committee headed by engineering in chief Muralidhar to take into consideration the argument put forth by Telanagan before the Brajesh Kumar Tribunal and also keep the interests of the state while making recomendations.
The KRMB has already ordered the state governments of AP and Telangana to hand over all outlets on the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects by October 14.
The board requested that state governments issue separate GOs in order to finish the process of handing over the projects listed in the Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s gazette. Andhra Pradesh has issued GO 54, transferring to KRMB, the Srisailam Spillway, Pothyredypadu head regulator, Srisailam Right canal, Handrineeva Lift Irrigation project, and Mucchumarri lift irrigation schemes. But with a condition that Telnagan also has to hand over the projects.
Telangana has not issued any GO and is unwilling to hand over three hydel projects (Srisailam Left Bank, Nagarjuna Sagar main power house, and Nagarjuna Sagar left powerhouse). According to sources, the Gazette implementation will take place only if both states issue GOs, which appears unlikely at this time. “By the end of the month, there may be clarity on regular outlets,” a source said.
