KTR Accuses Telangana Congress of Neglecting Kaleshwaram Project, Resulting in Water Scarcity

BRS leader KT Rama Rao criticizes the Telangana Congress government for neglecting the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, causing water shortages for farmers. He threatens to mobilize 50,000 farmers to reactivate pumps if inaction persists. The state has already invested 94,000 crores in the initiative.

On Friday, BRS leader KT Rama Rao accused the Congress government in Telangana of neglecting the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, leading to decreased water availability for farmers. 'This multipurpose project, envisioned by former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, was designed to benefit both farmers and industries. Sadly, the Congress has sought to politicize it,' KTR stated during his visit to the site.

KTR criticized the Congress government for what he termed 'criminal negligence,' asserting that it has left farmers and reservoirs upstream on the Godavari River desperately awaiting water. 'If the government doesn't start pumping water upstream, we will march with 50,000 farmers to the pump houses and start the pumps ourselves,' he warned. He highlighted that 10 lakh cusecs of water are currently being wasted into the sea.

Telangana's Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy had earlier stated that the government had already invested 94,000 crores in the project. The revival of the project remains a priority, aiming to produce a total of 240 TMC of water for various uses, including irrigation, municipal supply, industrial use, and drinking water.

When Congress was in opposition, Rahul Gandhi had labeled the Kaleshwaram project as KCR's ATM, and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy claimed it was a victim of KCR's corruption. The ongoing political tussle over the project has significant implications for farmers in the state.