Former minister and BRS legislator T Harish Rao has issued a strong demand for the immediate installation of telemetry systems to monitor water usage in the Krishna river basin. He has called upon both the Telangana state government and the Central government to act without delay.
Demand for Refund of Diverted Funds
In a significant move, Harish Rao insisted that the Telangana government must recover a sum of ₹4.18 crore it had previously released to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB). This amount was allocated specifically for the installation of the telemetry systems. Rao alleged that these funds were diverted by the Board for other purposes, leading to a stall in the critical project.
"There was a deliberate attempt to stall the installation of telemetry systems, and the Telangana government was a mute spectator," the BRS leader stated, expressing his frustration over the inaction.
History of Unimplemented Decisions
Harish Rao referenced a key decision made during a KRMB meeting held in June 2016. According to this plan, the installation was to be carried out in two distinct phases:
- First Phase: Systems at 18 locations.
- Second Phase: Systems at 9 additional locations.
He pointedly questioned the Board's commitment, asking, "If the KRMB is not implementing its own decisions, why is the Telangana government silent?" This highlights a perceived failure in accountability and follow-through on crucial water management infrastructure.
Implications for Water Management
The installation of telemetry systems is vital for transparent and accurate measurement of water utilisation from the Krishna basin. These systems provide real-time data, which is essential for equitable water distribution between states and for preventing disputes. The continued delay, as flagged by Rao, not only represents a financial loss but also hampers effective and scientific water resource management in the region.
The demand puts pressure on both the state and central authorities to address the allegations of fund diversion and to expedite the long-pending project to ensure sustainable water management for Telangana.
