HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham on Tuesday launched a four-day dharna demanding more Government attention to backward and drought-prone districts by taking up irrigation projects, particularly on the Godavari.

Farmers from Warangal, Adilabad, Nalgonda, Medak, Ranga Reddy and Nizamabad districts took part in the protest seeking proper utilisation of the Godavari waters. Speakers at the hunger strike camp alleged that successive Governments had neglected the irrigation sector and cited the example of Phase I of the Sriramsagar Project (SRSP) which was yet to be completed.

B. Tulasidas, president, said Governments failed to complete projects on schedule even after sufficient funds were made available.

He wanted more funds and higher priority to be given to the Pranahita-Chevella lift irrigation scheme.

He said 273 tmcft could be diverted from the Pranahita to the Yellampalli barrage to irrigate 50 lakh acres in eight Telangana districts.

Once completed, the project would cover the ayacut under Sriramsagar Phase-II and the flood flow canal.

He regretted that 200 tmcft of `assured' water meant for the SRSP was not available. The Government should expedite the flood flow canal, J. Chokka Rao (Devadula) scheme and Srisailam Left Bank Canal works by allocating funds.

Plan of action

S. Malla Reddy, general secretary, told the gathering that ryots from Rayalaseema would participate in the dharna demanding immediate taking up of work.

On February 23, farmers under the Veligonda irrigation project would join, while the protest would conclude on February 24 with the participation of farmers from north coastal Andhra.

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