CWPRS report exposed false propaganda against Kaleshwaram: Jagadish Reddy

Former Minister G Jagadish Reddy demanded that the Telangana government resume Kannepalli pumping operations and release irrigation water through the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal. He also criticised the government’s irrigation policy and alleged political differences over Kaleshwaram

Hyderabad: The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) report on the Kaleshwaram project has exposed the false propaganda being spread against the project, while revealing the alleged collusion between the Congress government and BJP, former Minister and Suryapet MLA G Jagadish Reddy said. He demanded that the government immediately operate the Kannepalli pumps and lift water using the remaining components of the Kaleshwaram project.

Speaking to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan here on Sunday, Jagadish Reddy said the report on the Sundilla and Annaram barrages had exposed the drama being played by the Congress and BJP over the Kaleshwaram project. He stated that the State government had repeatedly cited the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to justify its decision not to operate the Kannepalli pump house.

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He said despite repeated demands from BRS working president KT Rama Rao to operate the Kannepalli pumps independent of the Medigadda barrage, the Congress government ignored them.

Jagadish Reddy alleged that the government was denying irrigation water to lakhs of acres despite water being available in Krishna and Godavari river basins. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh was drawing large quantities of water through the Pothireddypadu head regulator, alleging that about 140 TMCft had been diverted illegally.

The former Minister said the Nagarjuna Sagar project had sufficient water to release supplies through its left canal. He recalled that the previous BRS government had provided irrigation even when the reservoir level was around 510 feet.

He alleged that the Congress government was reluctant to release water because irrigation would entail additional expenditure on power and fertilisers and create an obligation to procure crops.

Jagadish Reddy said the government could not use an excuse for withholding available water from farmers. He demanded that the government operate the Kannepalli pumps, release water through the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal and clarify its irrigation plans, including the crops farmers could raise. He said operating the Kannepalli pumps could help fill Mallanna Sagar, Kondapochamma Sagar and Ranganayaka Sagar.

Replying to a question on the ongoing internal bickering within the ruling Congress, the BRS leader observed that internal differences within the Congress had intensified over land issues and the Bhu Bharati portal. Referring to criticism by several Congress leaders against their own government, he said these developments indicated a crisis within the ruling party.

He demanded that the government reconsider its irrigation policy, apologise to former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and immediately resume Kannepalli pumping operations.