Irrigation getting top priority: Naidu

- While 27 projects are under construction, 8 are ready for inauguration
- Naidu inaugurates the Siddapuram Lift Irrigation Project constructed at a cost of Rs 119 cr
- The project will provide irrigation facility to 25,000 acres and drinking water to 12 villages
- Naidu lambasts Oppn for spreading false propaganda against the govt

Kurnool: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed happiness over completing several irrigation projects for which foundation stones were laid by him earlier. Naidu inaugurated Siddapuram Lift Irrigation Project at Siddapuram village in Atmakur constituency on Sunday. The Siddapuram Lift Irrigation Project was constructed at a cost of Rs 119 crore.

Later, addressing a public meeting, Naidu said that the Siddaparam Lift Irrigation Project would help in extending irrigation water to 25,000 acres of agricultural lands besides catering the drinking water needs of 12 villages.

Water would be drawn from Srisailam to Siddapuram LI Project. The Chief Minister said that the government is striving to ensure water to the tail-end lands.

Stating that 27 irrigation projects were under construction in the State, Naidu pointed out that eight projects were ready for inauguration. The TDP after coming to power in 2014 had taken up several challenging tasks and one of them was Pattiseema Project. This project was completed on a war-footing. Pattiseema facilitated linking of Rivers Godavari and Krishna, he pointed out.

The Chief Minister said the TDP government was focusing on four main issues farmer, water, nature and Sun God. The government has so far waived farm loans to the tune of Rs 24,000 crore.

Naidu pointed out that it was the dream of former Chief Minister and TDP founder N T Rama Rao to turn Rayalaseema into Ratnalaseema. The projects Telugu Ganga, Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi and Galeru Nagari were launched by NTR. Naidu recalled that engineer Shiva Rama Krishna had prepared a plan for the projects though he did not belong to Seema.

Naidu said the TDP government also laid emphasis on Vana Mahotsavam and Surya Aaradhana. “We have to respect the nature. By doing this we can ensure environmental balance. So during every Kartheeka Masam, Vana Mohotsavam is being observed as Vanam-Manam promoting planting of saplings. Surya Aaradhana is the also an important issue. The sun god gives us abundance of energy as a result of his energy we can produce solar power. A 1000 megawatt solar power is coming up in 500 acres at Orvakal.”

Highlighting the efforts being made by the TDP government for all-round development of the State, the Chief Minister came down heavily on the Opposition YSRCP for spreading false propaganda against the State government. “They even tried to provoke delta farmers stating that the delta region would turn barren if water is diverted to Seema,” Naidu said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that while Pattiseema is the lifeline for Krishna delta, Mucchumarri project is the lifeline for Seema.

Naidu stressed the need to save rain water. Farm ponds and soaking pits should be built to enhance the groundwater levels. The State has share of 811 tmcft of Krishna water under Bachawat Tribunal and that share should be used judiciously.

Stating that there exists 2 crore hectares of agricultural lands in the State, he pointed out that the government has been able to extend irrigation water facility to 1 crore hectares.

After conclusion of the public meeting, Naidu along with other leaders participated in the fifth phase of Janmabhoomi-Maa Vooru programme at Siddapuram village. He also visited the stalls arranged by various departments.