Gutha Seeks Canal Expansion Before Lining Works on AMRP

Nalgonda: Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy on Wednesday said lining works on the AMRP canal should be taken up only after widening it to benefit farmers.

His remarks come in the context of the State Government’s decision to undertake canal lining works at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

Speaking to the media at his camp office in Nalgonda, he said the AMRP-SLBC canal was designed to carry 4,000 cusecs of water but is currently capable of handling only about 2,400 cusecs. He said taking up lining without expanding the canal would not serve farmers’ interests and suggested that widening should precede lining works.

On political developments, he said dissent within ruling parties was common, in an apparent reference to recent developments. He also referred to reports about a possible change in the name of BRS, stating that party leaders should first introspect on the reasons behind the earlier change.

On procurement issues, he stressed the need for greater control by States over Custom Milling Rice (CMR), noting that closure of mills over irregularities could affect paddy procurement. He said the Centre’s decision to procure 20 per cent parboiled rice and 80 per cent raw rice has posed challenges, as millers prefer supplying parboiled rice during the summer season.

He also expressed concern over proposals for delimitation of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies based solely on population, stating that it could disadvantage southern States. He said States were seeking a formula that considers both population and GST contribution.

Referring to the ‘one nation, one election’ proposal, he said elections may be conducted in phases across States and cautioned that unchecked flow of money could make it difficult for common people to contest.

He said he would consider contesting elections again if required, adding that experienced leaders should remain in politics.