Chandrababu Naidu silence on illegal irrigation projects in Karnataka questioned

Nellore: Local BJP leaders demanded the state government to prevent constructions on Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. They interacted with the media on Tuesday and said this would restrict flow of water into the state. Midathala Ramesh, BJP district vice-president, said that unauthorised projects in Karnataka are obstructing water flow into Andhra Pradesh and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been keeping mum on such activities.

He demanded the state government to take stringent steps to curb such practices in the interest of the farmers. Ramesh said that the Chief Minister had extended his cooperation to Kumara Swamy for forming his government in the state and still Karnataka has been disregarding basic ethics to protect interests of farmers.

He said Karnataka government had planned 3 lift irrigation schemes on Tungabhadra River and allocated funds for them too. He said the Tribunal had allocated 203 tmcft of water to Karnataka and the state has been unlawfully utilizing around 250 tmcft of water from Tungabhadra. He said they are also constructing a reservoir with 35 tmcft capacity at Koppal.

Another 3 lift irrigation schemes were also provided funds for construction, 3 other irregular schemes were also being taken up and the Chief Minister has to break silence on such developments. BJP leader said 10 road-cum-bridges are being constructed on the upper side of Almatti dam for diverting 100 tmcft of water illegally.

He requested the state government to focus on illegal projects in Karnataka keeping in view of future problems for Andhra farmers. Local BJP leaders were also present. They handed over a representation to the Superintending Engineer, Telugu Ganga Project, for necessary action.