Published Sep 23, 2026 | 10:02 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2026 | 10:02 AM
Ministers Vakiti Srihari and Jupally Krishna Rao, along with MLAs Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, Megha Reddy and Madhusudhan Reddy with Shivakumar.
Synopsis: A delegation of Telangana ministers and MLAs met with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, seeking 5,000 cusecs of Krishna river water for a month to protect crops across the Palamuru region. The request comes amid farmers’ protest over halted releases from the Priyadarshini Jurala Project, with the four irrigation projects in the region together serving nearly 5.5 lakh acres.
A delegation of Telangana Ministers and legislators met Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Tuesday night, 22 September and sought the release of 5,000 cusecs of Krishna river water for a month to protect crops in the Palamuru region.
Ministers Vakiti Srihari and Jupally Krishna Rao, along with MLAs Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, Megha Reddy and Madhusudhan Reddy sought an uninterrupted release of water for the Jurala, Bhima, Nettempadu and Koilsagar irrigation projects, where crops are at a critical growth stage.
The four projects together irrigate nearly 5.5 lakh acres, supporting thousands of farming families in the region. The delegation said a shortage of water at this stage could affect crop yields and farmers’ incomes.
The representatives also pointed to expectations of more rainfall in the Krishna basin during the remaining monsoon season. They argued that a controlled release at present would allow Telangana to use the water already available efficiently without depleting reserves kept for other purposes.
Mr Shivakumar responded positively to the request and assured the delegation that steps would be taken to benefit Telangana’s farmers, the representatives said. No timeline was announced for the release of 5,000 cusecs.
The meeting came after protests at the Priyadarshini Jurala Project, where police detained protesting farmers and opposition leaders after water releases were stopped citing low inflows.
BRS and BJP leaders subsequently accused the Telangana government of neglecting the irrigation needs of Palamuru.
Minister Srihari directed irrigation officials to release water from the Jurala project without delay to protect crops in its ayacut.
Project officials opened the canals early on Wednesday and began supplying water. The release came as crops in the ayacut reached a critical growth stage.
BRS working president KT Rama Rao thanked farmers for standing up to the State government.
He also thanked BRS cadres who joined the protests in support of the farmers and said the party’s goal was to continue questioning the government for the next two years.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
