Congress leader Tulasi Reddy, farmers hail CM YSJagan Mohan Reddy on water plan in Kadapa

Kadapa: Despite Telangana government approaching apex court to restrain Andhra Pradesh government from increasing the height of Pothireddypadu Head Regulator (PHR) to enhance storage capacity from 44,000 cusecs to 80,000 cusecs, farmers organisations and leaders of various political parties extended full support to the Chief Minister YSJagan Mohan Reddy's path-breaking decision.

Irrigation projects in Kadapa district are dependent on flood waters of Krishna river from Srisalam dam for agriculture operations and drinking water needs.

The project is meant to provide water for agriculture operations in Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor, and Nellore districts and around 5lakh acres irrigated in both Rabi and Kharif seasons. It may be recalled that on May 5, 2020, state government has issued orders vide G.O No-2003 and proposed to spend about Rs 7,000 crore for drawing 10 tmc ft of water apart 7tmcft from Srisailam and 3 tmcft from Sangameswer by increasing the height of PHR.

Pradesh Congress working president N Tulasi Reddy alleged that Telangana government was responsible for stealing the Krishna by illegally constructing projects being an upper riparian state.

He said that as per Andhra Pradesh State Re-Organisation Act, if both Telugu states want to construct new projects or extend old projects they should obtain permission from Krishan River Management Board (KRMB), or Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) approval of Apex Council.