Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday alleged that the N. Chandrababu Naidu has not been giving time for discussions regarding the proposed Navali balancing reservoir and silt removal works.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the crest gate installation works at the Tungabhadra Dam, Shivakumar said that despite repeated efforts, there has been no response from the Andhra Pradesh leadership on convening talks.
“The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is not giving us time on this matter. There is also a proposal to pump this water and store it elsewhere, but he is not coming forward to discuss this in the board,” Shivakumar said. He added that since Andhra Pradesh is currently receiving more water, there appears to be less urgency from their side.
He stressed that any decisions related to the project must be taken collectively within the board framework.
When asked about the possibility of storing additional water following the increase in crest gate height by two feet, Shivakumar declined to comment on technical aspects, saying it could create unnecessary controversy. “We have taken necessary decisions keeping the safety of the dam in mind,” he said.
On the issue of silt removal, he clarified that adopting models like those used in China would not be straightforward. “Removing silt and dumping it elsewhere is not simple. It would require involvement of private parties, and they would participate only if it is commercially viable,” he said.
He further noted that identifying suitable locations for silt disposal remains a challenge and that any such work would require a global tender process if entrusted to private agencies.
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