CityLightBuzz: Former MP B. Vinod Kumar addressed a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, expressing concern over the impact of El Niño on Telangana and urging the state government to take immediate steps to prevent a water crisis by lifting water from the Kannepalli Pump House. Vinod Kumar said discussions on the impact of El Niño are taking place across the state and warned that if rainfall continues to remain deficient, Telangana could face serious shortages of irrigation and drinking water, including in Hyderabad. He stated that while assuming office, the Chief Minister and ministers take an oath to govern without bias or political vendetta, but alleged that the present government is acting contrary to that commitment. Referring to his earlier press conference on December 11, 2024, Vinod Kumar said he had explained the role of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), asserting that it is an advisory body and not a regulatory authority. He said the NDSA submitted its report nearly 16 months ago and clearly stated that the ownership and responsibility for dam management rests with the state government. He alleged that the Congress and BJP had jointly influenced the NDSA report and accused the Telangana Government of using the report as an excuse to avoid operating the Kannepalli Pump House. According to him, implementing the NDSA’s recommendations is not mandatory. Drawing a comparison with the Polavaram Project, Vinod Kumar pointed out that despite major structural issues, the Central Government sanctioned nearly ₹9,600 crore for repairs through the Polavaram Authority. He questioned why the NDSA had not played a similar role in that project and remarked that the authority itself lacks adequate staffing. He expressed disappointment that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy did not take up the NDSA issue with the Central Government during their visits to New Delhi. Vinod Kumar warned that if El Niño conditions persist, Hyderabad could also face severe drinking water shortages. He said the BRS had repeatedly requested the government to lift water from Kannepalli, but the appeal was ignored, and now the opportunity to store water is diminishing. He cited the example of Andhra Pradesh leaders, stating that despite political differences over the years, they did not politicise the Polavaram Project. He urged the Telangana Government to adopt a similar approach and avoid making the Kaleshwaram Project a political issue. He welcomed the Chief Minister’s recent statement that political battles should be left to the final year before elections and appealed to him to govern without political hostility. Vinod Kumar asserted that the Kaleshwaram Project remains essential for Telangana and said it was designed by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) after careful planning to secure the state’s water future. He concluded by stating that the BRS is prioritising Telangana’s interests over political gains and urged the government to stop using the NDSA report as a reason for inaction and instead lift water from Medigadda through the Kannepalli Pump House whenever water is available. The press conference was also attended by BRSV President Gellu Srinivas Yadav and former Corporation Chairman Venkateshwar Reddy.
