YSRCP leaders allege that Srisailam water is being released downstream while Rayalaseema reservoirs remain low and demand water through Pothireddypadu.
Pothireddypadu: YSRCP leaders from Rayalaseema have accused the Chandrababu Naidu government of releasing water downstream from the Srisailam reservoir for power generation while, they alleged, irrigation reservoirs in Rayalaseema were facing water shortages.
The leaders demanded that the government take immediate measures to maintain adequate water levels in Srisailam and ensure that water reaches Rayalaseema projects through the Pothireddypadu regulator.
Nandyal District YSRCP president Katasani Rambhupal Reddy and former minister Sake Sailajanath addressed the media after police reportedly prevented YSRCP leaders from visiting the Pothireddypadu regulator.
According to the leaders, police erected barricades, deployed security personnel and locked the regulator gate, stating that permission had not been granted for the visit.
Katasani alleged that water was being released downstream from Srisailam in the name of power generation despite the irrigation needs of Rayalaseema.
He said maintaining the Srisailam reservoir at around 841 feet was important for water to flow towards Rayalaseema through Pothireddypadu.
Katasani recalled measures taken during the tenure of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, claiming that steps were taken to maintain Srisailam water levels through March and April to safeguard Rayalaseema’s irrigation requirements.
He questioned why the present government was not taking similar measures to protect the region’s water interests.
Katasani also raised concerns over alleged water drawals by Telangana through lift irrigation schemes and urged Rayalaseema farmers to unite in protecting the region’s water rights.
He also questioned the decision to prevent opposition leaders from inspecting the Pothireddypadu regulator.
Sailajanath further alleged that the government was deliberately restricting irrigation water and suggested that such a policy could eventually force farmers to sell their lands at lower prices for industrial development.
He also questioned whether any understanding had been reached between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over water releases.
The YSRCP leaders described the police restrictions as undemocratic and alleged that the government was using administrative and police machinery to prevent the opposition from raising issues concerning farmers.
They demanded that the government stop unnecessary releases that could reduce Srisailam’s water levels and ensure adequate supplies to Rayalaseema irrigation projects.
The leaders said YSRCP would continue its campaign alongside Rayalaseema farmers and demanded that the coalition government protect the region’s share of Krishna River water.
