BRS MLA KT Rama Rao has called on the Congress government to urgently fill all reservoirs across the state, including LMD, Mid Maneru, Yellampally, and SRSP, which are currently drying up. During a visit to LMD in Karimnagar on Thursday, KTR criticized the government for not initiating pumping due to what he described as political vendetta, causing anxiety among farmers.
Highlighting the significance of the Kaleswaram project, KTR stated, “KCR has undertaken the Kaleswaram project to utilize hundreds of TMC of water wasted annually. This project, the largest multi-stage lift irrigation system in the world, has transformed Telangana into a granary for the country, surpassing Punjab and Haryana in agricultural expansion.”
KTR accused the Congress government of downplaying the success of the Kaleswaram project by exaggerating a minor incident in Medigadda. “For the past eight months, the Revanth Reddy government has jeopardized the lives of lakhs of farmers. Last year, LMD had more than 12 TMC of water by this time, thanks to timely pumping. Despite a 45% shortfall in rainfall this year, the government has yet to make a decision on pumping,” he said.
He criticized the government’s inaction while substantial amounts of water go to waste at Medigadda, stating, “We are visiting the Kaleswaram project to pressure the government into commencing water pumping.”
KTR warned that the government might use the excuse of insufficient rainfall to harm farmers and the public. He emphasized that starting the pump near Kannepalli could fill all reservoirs, noting that less than 35 TMC out of the total 140 TMC capacity has been filled. “Pumping large-scale water from Medigadda could solve drinking water problems if 50 TMC of water is filled in Mallanna Sagar and 15 TMC in Konda Pochamma Sagar,” he added.
Accusing the government of conspiring to defame KCR, KTR stated, “For the past eight months, your claims that Medigadda would be washed away and that crores of rupees were submerged have proven baseless. We are conducting field inspections to highlight the condition of drying reservoirs and the plight of farmers to the government.”
Appealing to the Chief Minister, KTR said, “Do not play with the lives of farmers for political gains. We will visit all barrages if the weather permits.” He also urged the media to prioritize this issue to bring the plight of drying reservoirs and farmers’ demands to the government’s attention.