Revanth’s Remarks on Seema Project Triggers Protest in Tirupati
Police later detained the protesters and shifted them to the Tiruchanoor police station
TIRUPATI: YSRC leaders staged a protest in Tirupati on Tuesday against remarks made by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, demanding that the Andhra Pradesh government protect the region’s water interests.
The protest, led by YSRC leader Bhumana Abhinay Reddy, was held in front of the District Collectorate. The demonstrators alleged that the project was being delayed due to pressure from Telangana and sought a clear assurance from the State government on its continuation. Police later detained the protesters and shifted them to the Tiruchanoor police station.
Addressing the gathering, Abhinay Reddy said the lift irrigation project was crucial for the drought-prone Rayalaseema region, which depends on the Krishna river system. He warned that any dilution or halt of the project would affect the State’s rightful share of Krishna waters and criticised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for not clarifying the issue publicly.
He said irrigation projects in Rayalaseema have a sanctioned allocation of 133.5 tmcft, but reduced inflows and siltation at the Srisailam reservoir have made upstream lifting of water essential. The Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, he recalled, was conceived during the tenure of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to lift up to 3 tmcft of water per day.
Tirupati Mayor Dr. R. Sireesha said even a marginal cut in water allocation would severely affect agriculture and drinking water supply in the region.
