NANDIVADA (Krishna Dt): Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Tuesday assured farmers of Krishna delta that water from Nagarjunasagar would be released for kharif operations between June 1 and 15.

He said this was to suit the farmers' convenience, and it would not be delayed beyond June 15 in view of the possible cyclone threat after that.

Addressing a `Praja Patham' meeting here, 10 km from Gudivada, Dr. Reddy pointed out that the Pulichintala works had been delayed by a year due to some political parties approaching the court. The problems had been overcome now and the project would be completed in a year's time, he asserted.

Taking a dig at the Opposition parties, Dr. Reddy reiterated his contention that a very unfortunate situation was prevailing in the State with some political parties creating legal hurdles for irrigation projects. "Such a situation is not seen in other States. But our Government will do whatever is needed to overcome these problems," he said.

Delta modernisation

Dr. Reddy said legal problems had been created in the way of Polavaram project too, but they would be overcome and works would begin in two months. In two to three years, the project would be completed.

On Krishna delta modernisation, the Chief Minister disclosed that a study was going on at present and detailed project reports (DPRs) would be ready soon so as to begin works in six months.

By removing encroachments in Kolleru lake, half the problem arising due to heavy rains and clogged drains in parts of delta had been solved and total relief would be provided with the help of channelisation of the lake, he said.

Highlighting the objective of `Praja Patham', Dr. Reddy called upon people to use the platform to inform their elected representatives at all levels about their problems and find solutions.

Higher Education Minister Pinnamaneni Venkateswara Rao, who represents Mudinepalli constituency in which Nandivada falls, presided over the meeting. Machilipatnam MP Badiga Ramakrishna, district in-charge Minister J.C. Diwakar Reddy, senior Congress leader Pinnamaneni Koteswara Rao, District Collector Navin Mittal, MLAs and others were present.

Slogan-shouting

GUDIVADA: Slogan shouting by members of the Andhra Pradesh Grama Sevaks Sangham marred a public meeting addressed by the Chief Minister here on Tuesday.

The agitated grama sevaks did not relent even after Dr. Reddy clarified that their remuneration was increased from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,500 a month. Amidst the noise, Dr. Reddy invited a member of the Grama Sevaks Sangham to come on to the dais and list their demands and problems. Association's honorary president P. Srinivasa Rao responded immediately and demanded from the dais that grama sevaks be recognised as IV Class employees. He demanded that their remuneration be increased to Rs. 3,000 a month.

Dr. Reddy said the Government would look into the matter.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail