New Delhi/Hyderabad, September 23: Telangana has presented its final arguments before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II), demanding a fair share of 70% (763 TMC) of the total 1050 TMC allocated in the Krishna basin. Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who personally attended the proceedings, said this was a historic moment as a sitting minister appeared before the tribunal, showing how seriously the Congress government is pursuing the matter.

Uttam detailed Telangana’s claim based on scientific and internationally accepted parameters such as catchment area, drought-prone zones, cultivable land, and population. He argued that Telangana is entitled to 555 TMC at 75% dependability, 43 TMC at 65% dependability, 120 TMC from average flows, and 45 TMC through Godavari diversions—totaling 763 TMC. He accused Andhra Pradesh of diverting a large share of its allocation outside the basin, violating principles of equitable distribution.

Criticizing the previous BRS government, Uttam said it had agreed to only 299 TMC for Telangana while conceding 512 TMC to Andhra Pradesh, calling it a betrayal of farmers and drought-prone regions. The present Congress government has officially reopened the case, rejecting the earlier agreement and presenting stronger arguments before the tribunal led by Justice Brijesh Kumar. “This is not just a legal battle but a fight for Telangana’s farmers and the future of its drought-prone areas,” Uttam asserted.

He also strongly opposed Karnataka’s plan to raise the Almatti dam height, warning it would harm Telangana’s water availability. “We will fight this in the Supreme Court with full force. Telangana will not allow a single drop of its rightful share to be compromised,” he said. Assuring people of Telangana, Uttam emphasized that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is closely monitoring the case, and the government will never back down until justice is achieved.