The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : BJP plans to hold workshop on irrigation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 12, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

BJP plans to hold workshop on irrigation

By Our Staff Reporter

KURNOOL, JULY 11. The former Union Minister and BJP leader, Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, has said an integrated approach is required to develop irrigation facilities in the State.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Mr. Rao, who headed the committee on irrigation resources in the State, said irrespective of the demand of separate states, a comprehensive plan was required to develop irrigation.

He said about 100 tmcft should be transferred from the Godavari to the Krishna basin immediately to make available more water for the drought-hit Rayalaseema region. The Government should explore the possibility of constructing another structure across the Krishna if maintaining the level in Srisailam reservoir was found to be difficult to ensure water to Rayalaseema canals.

Mr. Vidyasagar Rao said many agencies were willing to fund irrigation projects if the Government made up its mind on the projects. He stressed the need for constructing ladder like structures on the Godavari to tap the river for irrigation needs at various places. He said major projects involved a huge investment and the clearance was delayed due to displacement of human settlements. Instead, smaller projects would be more viable and produce instant results.

The BJP planned a major workshop on irrigation in Hyderabad soon to draw the attention of people to the irrigation issues in the State. Mr. Vidyadhara Rao, accompanied by party members -- Naresh, Rajeswara Reddy, Surender Reddy and Balachandra Reddy -- visited the projects on the Tungabhadra river on Saturday.

Mr. Vidyasagar Rao accused the State Cabinet of failing to take a collective decision saying that Ministers from the TRS and the Congress were making contradictory statements. He said two dual cabinets were functioning in the State. Mr. Vidyadhara Rao suggested to the Government to celebrate September 17 as Independence Day of the erstwhile Hyderabad State which was freed from Nizam rule on the day.

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