Tensions Flare as Andhra Pradesh Police Storm Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Telangana
HYDERABAD- In a surprising turn of events, the longstanding water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana escalated when nearly 700 Andhra Pradesh policemen allegedly took control of half of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Telangana. The incident mirrored a 2015 attempt by Andhra Police to barge into the dam, which was thwarted by Telangana security forces.
The dispute took a dramatic turn just hours before Telangana went to the polls, as Andhra Pradesh seized control of the dam and began releasing water from the right canal, leading to heightened tensions between the two states. The move occurred around 2 am on Thursday, strategically timed when most Telangana officials were occupied with election preparations.
Andhra Pradesh’s State Irrigation Minister, Ambati Rambabu, cryptically stated, “We are releasing water from Nagarjunasagar right canal on Krishna river for the drinking water purposes,” prompting confusion and concerns over water rights.
Cases were swiftly registered against Andhra Pradesh Police in Nalgonda district, Telangana, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for wrongful restraint, trespass, and mischief. The Telangana Police are also considering adding sections under the Public Property Damage Act against the intruders.
The Andhra Pradesh Police force allegedly pushed aside the Special Protection Force (SPF) of Telangana guarding the dam’s access points, resulting in a tense standoff between the two states. The AP Police erected barricades and barbed wire, taking control of half of the dam with 26 gates.
Amid growing tensions, the Central government stepped in, urging both states to revert to the release of Nagarjuna Sagar waters as of November 28. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla proposed the plan during a video conference with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and both states have agreed to the central supervision of the dam by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Telangana Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari expressed concern that the Andhra Pradesh Police’s actions disrupted the state assembly elections and could jeopardize the drinking water supply for two crore people in Hyderabad and surrounding areas.
This incident echoes the 2015 episode when a similar attempt by Andhra Police was thwarted by Telangana security forces. As both states grapple with the aftermath, the focus shifts to resolving the water dispute and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
