Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has come out with a series of decisions on irrigation projects that would target not only his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, but also the latter’s sister Y S Sharmila, who is floating a new regional party in Telangana shortly.
At the Saturday’s cabinet meeting, KCR reportedly made strong comments against the Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh for openly defying the directions of the National Green Tribunal and the Centre and going ahead with the illegal construction of Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme and Rajoli Banda Diversion Scheme (RDS)’s right canal.
So, KCR proposed to construct several projects on Krishna river to protect the interests of farmers in the State to any extent.
He suggested construction of Jogulamba Barrage at Alampur to draw 60-70 tmc of floodwater through pipeline.
He also proposed schemes like Pulichintala Left Canal, another reservoir at Sunkesula, a flood flow canal at Kusumarthi village in Narayanpet district, increasing the storage capacity of reservoirs under Kaluwakurty Lift Irrigation Scheme by another 20 TMC etc.
Analysts say these projects are proposed not only to counter Jagan’s moves but also to checkmate Sharmila.
“She has come out with a clear stand as to whether she would support her brother in usurping the Telangana’s rights or support KCR who is trying to protect them,” an analyst said.
The TRS leaders are ready with ammunition to attack Sharmila on several of such issues the moment she launches the political party and starts her padayatra.
“She cannot adopt double standards,” the analyst added.
