Completion of irrigation projects demanded

Kurnool: Communist Party (Marxist) of India (CPM) Central Committee Member and former MLA, MA Gafoor asked the state government to complete the irrigation projects including filling up of 106 ponds with the waters of Hundri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) or be ready to face the wrath of Kurnool farmers.  

He said that if the projects are not completed, farmers are losing their temper and have prepared to revolt against the government. He made these remarks at the Maha Dharna organised near Collector’s office  complex here on Monday.

Thousands of farmers from nook and corner of the district marched towards Collector Complex with the demand to save the western part from being transformed to desert. The All India Kisan Sangh (AIKS), CPM, CPI and Jena Sena party leaders supported the rightful demand of the farmers.

The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangam, with the demand of irrigation water, set on a weeklong padayatra in the district. The yatra which was started on 5th has culminated on 11th here at Collector’s Complex, where maha dharna was organised.

Participating in the protest, MA Gaffoor alleged that  neither the central nor the state government is concerned about the plight of the farmers of Rayalaseema. The western part of Kurnool district is parched with the continuous droughts.

Thousands of acres of fertile agricultural lands are becoming barren. Though the government is well aware of the dire situations, is least cared to mitigate the problems. Farmers in large numbers have committed suicide, even then the government is dumb heard, he alleged.

Gaffoor further said a team of scientists from hydrological department have conducted a survey on the ground water levels and submitted a ground report, wherein they clearly mentioned that the western part is going to transform into a desert.  

He warned the TDP government to stop cheating any further and demanded to complete the irrigation projects, Gundrevula, Rajoli Banda Diversion Scheme (RDS), Vedavathy, Siddeswaram, Pulikanuma besides filling up of 106 ponds with the waters of Hundri Neeva Sujalasravanthi waters.

Rayalaseema Sadana Saaguneeti Samithi (RSSS) President, Bojja Dasaratha Rami Reddy alleged that Naidu is more interested in developing the coastal regions rather than Rayalaseema. Naidu has failed on all fronts to fulfil the promises made to Rayalaseema.

He said if Siddeswaram Alugu reservoir is constructed then the upper stream lands of Srisailam Dam would get water.  Farmers from various parts of the district, leaders of CPM, CPI and Rythu Sangam participated in the Maha Dharna.