Farmers Protest For Srisailam Water Release To Somasila
Farmers and YSRC leaders protested near Nellore Barrage, demanding Srisailam water release to Somasila to protect crops and meet irrigation needs.
Farmers and YSRC leaders staged a protest near the Nellore Barrage on Tuesday, demanding immediate release of water from the Srisailam reservoir to Somashila to meet irrigation and drinking water needs.
The protest was led by former minister and YSRCP Nellore district president Kakani Govardhan Reddy, former minister Sake Sailajanath and other party leaders. Hundreds of farmers and party workers took out a rally from the YSRCP district office to the barrage in nearly 100 cars and motorcycles.
Police stopped the protesters from proceeding towards the barrage, leading to a heated exchange. Kakani and the farmers later staged a road protest and proceeded towards the barrage despite the restrictions.
Kakani alleged that 3,600 to 4,000 acres of crops in Kanupurupalli, Nukanapalli, Yadanaparthi, Verubotlapalli and Gopavaram villages were drying up due to water shortage.
He demanded immediate release of water from Srisailam, stating that even a one-day release through the Somashila-Kandaleru Flood Flow Canal could help replenish local tanks.
He urged the government to protect farmers’ irrigation and drinking water needs and intensify measures to prevent crops from drying up.
