CityLightBuzz: Former Ministers Criticise Revanth Reddy Government Over Irrigation Water Supply to Palamuru Farmers
Nagarkurnool: Former Telangana ministers Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, V. Srinivas Goud and Dr. C. Lakshma Reddy, along with former MLAs Marri Janardhan Reddy and Harshavardhan Reddy, inspected the Mahatma Gandhi Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLI) Stage-III Pump House near Gouridevipalli in Revalli Mandal.
Speaking during the inspection, former minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy alleged that the Revanth Reddy government was failing to provide irrigation water to farmers despite adequate water being available in the Srisailam reservoir.
He alleged that Andhra Pradesh was drawing water through the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator, while Telangana was not utilising the available water effectively. According to him, Andhra Pradesh was drawing around 10–12 TMC of water per day, while Telangana could utilise only a limited quantity through the lift irrigation systems.Niranjan Reddy demanded that the KLI pumps be operated continuously for 24 hours to provide irrigation water to farmers. He also alleged that inadequate power supply was affecting the operation of the pumps and said the government should ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
He said water currently available in Srisailam could potentially be utilised for both the ongoing Kharif season and the upcoming Rabi season, and questioned the government’s delay in operating the pumps.
Srinivas Goud Accuses Government of Neglect
Former minister V. Srinivas Goud alleged that water was being diverted to Andhra Pradesh while Telangana farmers were struggling for irrigation water.
He questioned the Chief Minister and district ministers over the alleged lack of electricity supply to the pump houses. He claimed that some pumps were switched on only after BRS leaders announced their visit.
Goud warned that if crops were damaged due to the shortage of irrigation water, the government would be responsible. He stressed the need to protect Palamuru from
turning into a drought-prone region.
Lakshma Reddy Calls for Clear Irrigation Plan
Former minister Dr. C. Lakshma Reddy alleged that the government lacked seriousness about providing irrigation water to farmers.
He said the BRS had repeatedly raised concerns over the issue and claimed that the government responded only after BRS leaders announced programmes and visits.
Lakshma Reddy alleged that despite water being available, the government delayed lifting it for irrigation. He demanded a clear plan for the Kharif season and assured farmers that the BRS would continue to stand with them until adequate irrigation water was supplied.
He also demanded uninterrupted power supply and continuous operation of the pumps to protect standing crops.
Marri Janardhan Reddy Demands Immediate Action
Former MLA Marri Janardhan Reddy alleged that the KLI pumps were not being operated continuously despite the requirement for irrigation water.
He questioned why the government was not ensuring adequate water supply to farmers and alleged that electricity shortages were affecting pump operations.
“Hand over the KLI project to us and we will operate it,” he said, criticising the government over its handling of the irrigation system.
Harshavardhan Reddy Warns of Protest
Former MLA Harshavardhan Reddy alleged that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was neglecting the interests of Telangana farmers.
He claimed that the pumps were switched on only because BRS leaders were visiting the pump house and demanded that the government ensure regular operation of the pumps.Harshavardhan Reddy said that if the pumps were not operated properly, BRS leaders would intensify their protest and even set up tents at the pump houses to press for irrigation water.
BRS Assures Farmers of Support
BRS district media convener Nandimalla Ashok said farmers should not lose confidence and assured them that the party would stand by them.
The BRS leaders collectively demanded 24-hour operation of KLI pumps, uninterrupted electricity supply and immediate utilisation of available water resources to protect crops in Palamuru.
They warned that continued delay in supplying irrigation water could severely affect farmers and urged the state government to take immediate corrective measures.
