Chavan denies ‘looting’ of Godavari water

• Says any dispute with AP could be referred to CWC, expert panel
• Maharashtra CM shuts two more Babhali gates
• 12 gates unofficially shut a week back

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday denied the allegation of the AP government that his State was ‘looting’ the Godavari water.

He was speaking at a public meeting organised by the ‘Bhabli Parirakshana Samiti’, following the official closure of two crest gates of the Bhabli project. According to reports, in all 12 gates were downed unofficially a week back. He said that Maharashtra was utilising 272 tmc of Godavari water in line with a ruling of the Supreme Court to irrigate about 19,000 acres. He claimed that the court order was in favour of Maharashtra.

Andhra Pradesh which had gone to the court objecting to the increased height of the Bhabli project on the ground that it would affect the Sriramsagar Project(SRSP). Chavan said any dispute could be referred to the three-member committee constituted by the Centre and the Central Water Commission (CWC). The Maharashtra administration had deployed heavy police in Nanded, Baloli and Dharmabad areas, abutting Nizamabad district border, to prevent any untoward incidents.