CityLightBuzz: Press Meet at Telangana Bhavan: Former Minister V. Srinivas Goud Raises Concerns Over Krishna and Tungabhadra Water
Former Minister V. Srinivas Goud addressed a press conference at Telangana Bhavan and criticised the state government over water management, irrigation projects and the alleged diversion of Telangana’s share of water.
He alleged that the Telangana government had not submitted an indent to the Tungabhadra Board seeking water for the state, while Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were utilising water resources.
“What is Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy doing? Is the government not even concerned about the issue?” he questioned. He said that he would soon meet the Irrigation Minister and submit a representation.
Srinivas Goud demanded that the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) also be brought under the Tungabhadra Board. He alleged that Karnataka was taking steps to acquire land for increasing the height of the Almatti Dam, while the Telangana government was not responding adequately.
He also criticised the proposed inauguration of the Veligonda project, alleging that it was being opened during a period without floods. He warned that such decisions could lead to water disputes between states.
According to Srinivas Goud, Telangana’s Palamuru projects were being neglected while water was being allowed to flow for use elsewhere. He criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, alleging that the government was more focused on internal political issues than farmers’ concerns. He demanded that the Telangana government immediately stop the proposed inauguration of Veligonda, alleging that it was being done with an eye on arguments before the tribunal. Srinivas Goud also raised concerns over water being diverted through Pothireddypadu and questioned why the government was not responding. Referring to the Kaleshwaram project, he alleged that the previous BRS government had faced extensive criticism over the project and that necessary repairs were not carried out. He said that reports from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) had now clarified several aspects of the project.
He demanded that the government immediately switch on the Palamuru pumps and Kannepalli pumps and ensure adequate water supply to farmers.
Warning the government against further delay, Srinivas Goud said that farmers would not tolerate their crops drying up due to a lack of water. He announced that the BRS would launch a large-scale movement against what he described as government negligence.
He also questioned why Minister Jupally Krishna Rao was not speaking up if irrigation pumps in his constituency were not being operated.
Srinivas Goud on Allegations Against Him
Srinivas Goud also responded to allegations recently made against him, saying that he was shocked by the reports.
He said that the girl’s uncle had spoken to him and clarified that there was no connection with the matter. He added that when an employee had committed a mistake in the past, he had immediately removed the person from employment.
Srinivas Goud alleged that some people in the BJP and Congress were attempting to damage his reputation and said that the allegations were being politically exploited.
He claimed that the BRS continues to enjoy public support and that attempts were being made to target his image because he was raising public issues.
He described the allegations as “cheap tricks” and said that he was consulting lawyers and would take legal action
