Jeevan Reddy accuses Revanth Reddy of delaying Medigadda repairs over Tummidihatti project

BRS leader T Jeevan Reddy accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of delaying Medigadda barrage repairs and urged temporary measures to lift Godavari water at Kannepalli. He also sought drought relief, clarity on Rabi crop planning and farmer assistance.

Hyderabad: BRS general secretary T Jeevan Reddy blamed Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy responsible for the drought conditions in Telangana. He said the Chief Minister turned his attention to Tummidihatti project only to buy time, amid mounting pressure for repairs to Medigadda barrage and operation of Kannepalli pumps.

He questioned why Revanth Reddy waited three months for an appointment with the Maharashtra Chief Minister and held discussions without a Detailed Project Report (DPR). “The entire exercise was aimed at buying time, diverting public attention and evade Medigadda repairs,” he said.

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Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Wednesday, Jeevan Reddy stated that Revanth Reddy did not initiate even temporary measures to utilise Godavari River water at the Kannepalli pump house, despite farmers facing drought. He said the government had confined itself to announcements without a concrete action plan.

He pointed out that around 20,000 cusecs flow was available near the Kannepalli pump house currently and the government could immediately take up temporary measures, including a coffer dam, to lift at least one TMCft of water. He stated that the facility had the potential to lift up to 150 TMCft, without obstructing permanent repairs to Medigadda barrage.

The BRS leader maintained that Annaram and Sundilla barrages were on Godavari River and remained safe, while Medigadda was on Pranahita River. He argued that lifting water at Kannepalli would not affect the other two barrages, and questioning the government’s decision to ignore the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) report.

Jeevan Reddy also criticised the government for failing to prepare for El Nino and provide drought relief. He demanded clarity on Yasangi (Rabi) crop planning, Rythu Bharosa and assistance to agricultural labourers, including Rs 12,000 for those holding job cards under the proposed Indira Gandhi Aatmeeya Bharosa scheme.

On Tummidihatti, he urged the government to begin work at the 152-metre level, following Karnataka’s approach to the Almatti project, and reach an agreement eventually. He compared the previous BRS government’s completion of Kaleshwaram project in three years with the present government’s inability to repair two Medigadda pillars.