Release water for Palnadu region farmers: YSRCP

Guntur: YSRCP MLA Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy slammed the TDP for its failure to release water for kharif and rabi in Nagarjunasagar right canal ayacut area of Guntur district during the third consecutive year. 

As soon as the ZP meeting started, the MLA said though sufficient water was available in Nagarjunasagar reservoir, due to negligence of the government, the water was not released to kharif and rabi for Palnadu region.

Though the capacity of reservoir is at 590 feet level and water is available at 576 feet level, the government is not releasing water for last three months to canals. Stating that the farmers were in distress, he asked as to why the government is showing negligent attitude towards interests of farmers.

He stated former chief minister NT Rama Rao government released water for rabi when the water level is 525 feet level and reminded that former chief minister YSR released water for Nagarjunasagar canal ayacut area of Palnadu region when the water level is at 520 feet.

He said 120 tmc ft water is sufficient for Palnadu region for cultivation of paddy and criticised the government  for not having proper plan over releasing of water for crops.

MLA Kona Raghupati said it is responsibility of government to give water to crops and added due to losses in agriculture, the farmers are committing suicides. He urged the  government to prepare an action plan to release water to Palnadu region for at least next kharif.

Replying to a question raised by the MLAs, minister Nakka Anand Babu said the government did not release water for kharif and rabi crop taking drinking water needs of people into consideration and encouraged ID crops. 

Stating the farmers are happy in the TDP government, the minister said the government was implementing several welfare schemes for farmers in the state and reminded that the government waived crop loans taken by famers.

Following request of MLC Boddu Nageswara Rao, the ZP general body passed Rs 32 lakh to give snacks to the SSC students till the public examinations during this academic year.

The ZP general body unanimously passed ZP budget for financial year 2018-19 with a plan outlay of Rs 666,67,80,000 with Rs.1,74,05,000 surplus. ZP Chairperson Md Johnymun, chief executive officer Nagarjunasagar, MLA Anagani Satya Prasad, officials of the various departments were present.