Congress government helped farmers produce a record 281 lakh metric tonnes of paddy across Kharif and Rabi, supported by timely irrigation and the Rs 9,000 crore Rythu Bharosa scheme

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has reiterated the Congress government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Telangana’s rightful share of Krishna and Godavari river waters. During an inspection of ongoing irrigation works on the Krishna River in Suryapet district, the Minister declared that the government would employ all means—dialogue or legal action—to secure water justice for Telangana.

He criticised the previous BRS regime for mismanaging the irrigation sector and burdening the state with an annual interest of Rs 16,000 crore on irrigation loans. He termed this fiscal mismanagement a “sin against the people” and a historic betrayal of Telangana’s farmers. Highlighting past decisions, he accused the BRS of conceding 512 TMC of Krishna water to Andhra Pradesh and limiting Telangana to just 299 TMC, out of the total 811 TMC allotted to the erstwhile united AP.

Uttam Kumar Reddy explained that the Congress government would not compromise on water rights and would pursue Telangana’s fair share based on catchment area, ayacut, and population. If the Centre does not ensure equitable allocations, Telangana will approach the courts.

He pointed out that the earlier Congress government had proposed the Rs 38,000 crore Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahitha-Chevella project at Tummadihatti to benefit Telangana. However, the BRS scrapped it and instead built the Kaleshwaram project at a cost of Rs1 lakh crore, which he described as a failure. Had the original project been executed, Telangana could have saved Rs 62,000 crore and used the funds to complete other key irrigation projects like SLBC, Palamuru–Rangareddy, Bhima, Nettempadu, and Devadula.

The Minister further criticised the BRS for spending Rs 27,500 crore on the Palamuru-Rangareddy and Rs 10,000 crore on the Sitarama project without adding new ayacut. In contrast, he noted that the Congress government helped farmers produce a record 281 lakh metric tonnes of paddy across Kharif and Rabi, supported by timely irrigation and the Rs 9,000 crore Rythu Bharosa scheme.

He also urged speedy progress on the Jawahar Nettempadu project and warned contractors to avoid further delays. He reiterated the Congress government's resolve to ensure timely and assured irrigation for all farmers in the state.