Tummala meets Naidu

metro india news  I hyderabad

Telangana Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, Cooperation, Handlooms & Textiles, Tummala Nageswara Rao, met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to discuss a range of critical inter-state issues concerning Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The meeting focused on administrative challenges arising out of bifurcation, irrigation projects, temple administration, infrastructure development, and enhanced coordination between the two Telugu States.

The Minister raised the issue of five gram panchayats—Yetapaka, Kannayigudem, Pichukalapadu, Purushothapatnam, and Gundala—located near Bhadrachalam, which were merged with Andhra Pradesh during bifurcation. 

He explained that these villages are geographically surrounded by Telangana territory, causing severe administrative hardships to tribal residents. With long travel distances to district headquarters, inter-state checkpoints, taxation issues, and security concerns, the villages have effectively become enclaves. He urged that, in the interest of administrative convenience and tribal development, these villages be merged back into Telangana.

The Minister also highlighted challenges in the administration of the Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, as parts of temple land fall under Andhra Pradesh jurisdiction. He emphasized that resolving territorial issues would facilitate smoother temple management and improved services to devotees. Regarding irrigation, Tummala sought the release of 85% of the estimated Rs. 92.20 crore required for permanent repairs to the Pedda Vagu project in Khammam district. As 85.25% of the ayacut benefits Andhra Pradesh farmers and 14.75% benefits Telangana, he proposed cost-sharing in an 85:15 ratio.