KURNOOL: The Rayalaseema Hakkula Ikya Vedika celebrated its second anniversary in six districts (four in Rayalaseema, Nellore and Prakasam) on Tuesday by executing a representation in "blood". A group of medical assistants helped the leaders execute the memorandum addressed to the Union Cabinet Subcommittee on Telangana with 11 demands.

Vedika president T.G. Venkatesh, Kotla Jayasurya Prakasa Reddy, MP, Mayor Raghurami Reddy, former Minister from Kadapa Rajagopal Reddy, legal expert E. Ayyapu Reddy, Nandyal Municipal Chairman Kaipa Ramudu and a galaxy of leaders attended the meeting and signed the memorandum.

`Tap Godavari'

Mr. Venkatesh said the leadership from Rayalaseema should not make the mistake of being indifferent to the bifurcation of the State. Some political compulsions might force the leadership to concede the demand for Telangana, but Rayalaseema should not be thrown into confusion in such a situation, Mr. Venkatesh said.

On the irrigation front, the Vedika demanded tapping of the Godavari for irrigating the tail-end areas of the Krishna delta while the entire water realised in the Krishna could be utilised for Rayalaseema region. Also, it demanded construction of the Siddeswaram project for stabilising the Rayalaseema ayacut and to speed up the work of Pothireddypadu regulator widening, Hundri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari, Velugonda and Gundlamotu projects. The Vedika suggested that the 150 tmcft, which was wasted into the Arabian Sea at Koyna project, be diverted to Rayalaseema.

New districts

On the administrative front, the forum demanded creation of new districts at Nandyal, Guntakal, Proddatur, Tirupati and Markapur. It wanted a High Court Bench for Rayalaseema and second national capital status for Hyderabad. Also, in case of creation of a separate Telangana, Hyderabad should be declared an Union Territory.

The Vedika sought a `tax holiday' for new industries in Rayalaseema and software parks and biotechnology parks in the region's districts. Universities were demanded at Kurnool, Ongole and Nellore.

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