BRS Leader Questions Government’s Preparedness, Raises Concerns Over Irrigation, Electricity Supply and Singur Reservoir Management
Hyderabad: Former Telangana Minister and BRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader T. Harish Rao has accused the Congress government in Telangana of failing to address farmers’ problems amid drought concerns, the possible impact of El Niño and alleged shortages of electricity and irrigation water.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, Harish Rao criticised the government over the repeated cancellation and rescheduling of a proposed video conference with farmers. He questioned the government’s preparedness and demanded a clear action plan to protect farmers, agricultural labourers and rural families.
Harish Rao Questions Changes to Farmers’ Meeting
Harish Rao alleged that farmers had been asked to assemble at Rythu Vedikas at 11 a.m. to hear the Chief Minister’s address. According to him, messages were subsequently sent to MLAs regarding a video conference scheduled for noon, followed by repeated announcements of cancellation and rescheduling.
He questioned why the government could not conduct the meeting properly when farmers were facing serious challenges.
The BRS leader also criticised the absence of a clear Cabinet-level response and demanded that the government explain the measures taken over the previous nine months in preparation for the anticipated effects of El Niño.
He questioned reports suggesting that farmers might be advised against sowing certain crops during the Rabi season and asked what alternative livelihood arrangements would be made for
farmers and agricultural labourers if cultivation were restricted.
Raises Concerns Over Migrant Agricultural Labourers
Harish Rao expressed concern over agricultural labourers from the Palamuru region migrating to Karnataka in search of employment. Referring to a road accident involving workers from Jogulamba Gadwal district, he said several labourers had died or sustained serious injuries.
He claimed that many of those affected belonged to Dalit communities and questioned why vulnerable families were being forced to migrate for work.
The BRS leader contrasted the situation with the previous BRS government’s efforts to bring migrant workers back and accused the present administration of failing to provide adequate livelihood security. He demanded clarity on the government’s alternative employment and welfare measures, particularly for Dalit and tribal families.
Power Shortages and Coal Supply Under Scrutiny
Harish Rao also alleged that inadequate planning had contributed to electricity shortages across Telangana.
He claimed that farmers in several parts of the state were not receiving even six to seven hours of uninterrupted power supply, putting standing crops at risk. He said farmers who should be tending their fields were instead protesting outside electricity substations.
Questioning the government’s handling of coal supplies, he asked why advance coal stocks had not been secured from the Naini coal block and challenged the administration to explain the relationship between El Niño concerns and the alleged coal shortage.
He further alleged that the government had failed to enter into power purchase agreements in advance, forcing it to seek electricity at reportedly high prices of ₹10 to ₹15 per unit.
Harish Rao demanded an explanation for the alleged power shortages and called for immediate steps to ensure a reliable electricity supply to agricultural consumers.
Irrigation Projects and Palamuru Water Supply
The BRS leader criticised the government over the management of irrigation projects, particularly the Devadula project, the Kannepalli pump house and the Palamuru irrigation system.
He alleged that available water resources were not being utilised effectively and questioned why reservoirs associated with projects whose trial runs had been conducted during the previous government had not been filled over the subsequent three years.
Referring to the reported water flow at Sammakka Sagar, Harish Rao questioned restrictions on operating Devadula pumps and alleged that frequent switching of motors on and off had contributed to equipment damage.
He claimed that only two of the ten motors at Devadula had suffered bearing damage and argued that inadequate project management had worsened drought conditions in Warangal district.
Harish Rao also said that operating five Kalwakurthy motors continuously could help irrigate substantial parts of Palamuru. He claimed that better planning and timely execution could have enabled the Palamuru project to store up to 50 TMC of water.
Calling the situation a consequence of administrative failures rather than merely natural conditions, he demanded that the government prioritise irrigation and complete pending works.
Harish Rao Questions Neglect of Singur Project
