WARANGAL: The allegations made by Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka regarding the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), that it has not provided water to even a single acre of land, were ridiculous, said Bhupalpally MLA Gandra Venkataramana Reddy.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said that the Opposition leaders were alleging that the TRS government has taken up massive irrigation project like Kaleshwaram only to earn money. “When the Congress was in power, they too took up irrigation projects. Were those too intended to earn money for them,” Venkataramana Reddy asked.
Because of the construction of Kaleshwaram project, drought-prone areas also received water. Farmers got the confidence that they could pursue agriculture and make a living.
“Congress leaders are unable to digest the fact that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao would garner more public patronage because of the project. Opposition leaders must appreciate the good work done by the government but making such comments just to make their presence felt is not welcome,” the TRS legislator said.
The MLA noted that the Kaleshwaram project also supported the Sriramsagar Project and is helping in irrigating till the last ayacut. Because of the availability of the copious amounts of water, there was good yield in maize and paddy crops. Even the Mid-Manair and the Lower Manair dams are receiving water because of the KLIP and water bodies in places like Nalgonda are also brimming with water.
“Even the prices of agriculture lands have gone up considerably. The Telangana state is competing with states like Punjab in the production of food. However, Congress leaders are only criticising the good work. If they are really dedicated to the welfare of the farmers, they must fight in New Delhi against the new farm laws. Such behaviour will not be accepted by the farmers and people of Telangana.” Venkataramana Reddy said.
