Dramatic Events at Nagarjuna Sagar: CM Jagan’s Triumph in Krishna Water Rights

A high drama unfolded at Nagarjuna Sagar on the November 2023 election day in Telangana. Around 700 Andhra Pradesh policemen arrived at the dam, alleging that Telangana was delaying the release of water for drinking purposes. Barbed fences were hastily erected at gate number 13, and water was eventually released. The Sagar Dam saw the deployment of hundreds of policemen from both states. Despite attempts by AP officials to release water from Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana authorities intervened, blocking the attempt. In a dramatic turn of events, the AP authorities eventually released the water.

CM Jagan’s persistent efforts over four and a half years to safeguard the state’s Krishna water rights have borne fruit, with the Center deciding to transfer control of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar joint projects to the Krishna Board within a month. Despite challenges such as the takeover of the Srisailam project’s left bank power station, CM Jagan took decisive action. Supported by state water resources officials, he directed authorities to assume control of the right canal head regulator and 13 gates of the Nagarjuna Sagar spillway within AP’s territory, facilitating the release of water.

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In the early hours of November 30, state police and water resources officials, led by CE Muralinath Reddy, seized half of the Sagar spillway and the right canal head regulator within the state’s territory. A release of 2,300 cusecs was initiated to the right canal to meet drinking water needs. The Telangana government lodged a complaint with the Centre. In response to CM Jagan’s demand, the Center agreed to transfer control of the joint projects to the Krishna Board.