Telangana water allocation has come under political scrutiny after former minister T Harish Rao alleged that the state government was supplying water to liquor manufacturing units while households and farmers faced shortages, irregular power supply and drying crops. Speaking at a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Monday, Rao also sought a review of non-bailable cases filed against 14 farmers who allegedly opened gates at Jurala to obtain water for their crops.
Rao claimed that the Congress government had failed to manage what he described as a drought-like situation, an irrigation crisis and power shortages across Telangana. He questioned the reported emphasis on maintaining liquor production during Dasara when drinking water and irrigation requirements were under pressure.
According to the report, Rao said water-use notices had reportedly been issued to institutions including BDL, BHEL and IIIT Hyderabad, and asked the government to disclose its overall water-management plan. He questioned why water allocation to beer and liquor companies should not face the same scrutiny as the actions of farmers attempting to protect their crops.
The dispute links water availability to the operation of irrigation infrastructure and the reliability of electricity supply. Rao alleged that farmers in several areas were receiving only six to seven hours of power, limiting the operation of irrigation pumps and contributing to crop damage. He also claimed that projects including Devadula, Kannepalli and Kalwakurthy were not being operated to their full potential despite water being available in the Krishna and Godavari river systems.
Rao further criticised the government for what he described as inadequate preparation for the effects of El Niño, saying warnings had been available for nine months. He argued that the administration lacked a clear plan to protect farmers, agricultural labourers and rural livelihoods from worsening dry conditions.
The former minister also connected the irrigation problem to coal and electricity procurement. He questioned the government’s preparedness for shortages of coal, asked why advance power-purchase agreements had not been entered into, and alleged that Telangana was being forced to procure electricity at high prices. His stated chain of events was that inadequate coal affected generation, unreliable power disrupted irrigation, and insufficient water left crops vulnerable.
The central issue raised by the claims is how the state is prioritising water between domestic use, agriculture and industrial production during periods of stress. The supplied report does not include a response from the Telangana government or independent confirmation of the specific allocations and operating levels cited by Rao. The former minister demanded that political differences be set aside, the cases against the farmers be reviewed and the government explain its water-allocation decisions.
