Hyderabad: Irrigation minister T. Harish Rao on Thursday criticised the Telugu Desam and the Congress, especially AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, for trying to stall irrigation projects in Telangana by lobbying in New Delhi and approaching the courts. The government, would not bow to pressure, and complete all projects come what may, he said.
“AP CM Chandrababu Naidu is trying to bring pressure on the Centre to convene the apex committee meet and stop the Palamuru Lift Irrigation scheme. Telugu Desam says the project is a new one, there is no water in Krishna, we don’t have rights and it should be stopped,” Mr Rao said.
While launching the second lift of the Kalwakurthy project in Mahbubnagar district at a function on Thursday, Mr Harish Rao asked TD leaders in Mahbubnagar and in the rest of the state whether they justified Mr Naidu’s actions.
He said farmers would get water for 3.5 lakh acre now and 6 lakh acre by the next Kharif season. “During Congress rule, foundation stone was laid simultaneously for Handri-Neeva and Kalwakurthy. Handri-Neeva was completed, but Kalwakurthy was ignored. During Congress and TD rule only 50 per cent works were completed but they falsely claim 98 per cent, 90 per cent and the likes,” he remarked. He said Mr Naidu and Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy had repeatedly inaugurated the project.
He added, “Does the TD, which is trying to deny water from Palamuru, have the right to stay in TS? Naidu takes Godavari waters through Pattis-eema. We have to get 45 TMC as our share as per the Bachawat Award.” “Congress and TD Desam are filing cases in the courts. So far eight-nine cases are in High Court and Supreme Court,” he said.
The irrigation minister also slammed TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy for threatening to file cases in court if the government carved out Nagarkurnool district. “Do you want Nagarkurnool district or not?” he asked the crowds, who raised their hands in support.
