Tadepalli, June 15: YSRCP's Rayalaseema Lift project Achievement Committee has demanded the immediate completion of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, describing it as vital for the water security and future of Greater Rayalaseema. The committee, led by convenor and former minister Sake Sailajanath, met at the YSRCP Central Office and resolved to intensify efforts to ensure the project's completion.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Sailajanath alleged that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has neglected Rayalaseema's irrigation priorities while focusing on Amaravati. He said that although nearly 90% of the Rayalaseema Lift Project was completed during the YSRCP government after an investment of around Rs.1,000 crore, the remaining work has been deliberately stalled despite requiring only about another Rs.1,000 crore for completion.
He warned that ongoing projects in Telangana and Karnataka, including Upper Bhadra and Almatti, could significantly reduce Krishna river flows, putting Rayalaseema at risk of severe water scarcity. He asserted that completing the Rayalaseema Lift Project is the most practical solution to safeguard the region from becoming a desert.
The committee also criticized the government's spending priorities, alleging that massive borrowings and excessive expenditure on Amaravati have come at the cost of irrigation and development projects in Rayalaseema and North Andhra. It questioned the high construction costs in Amaravati and argued that a more economical capital model could free resources for completing pending regional projects.
The committee announced that YSRCP will soon begin phased visits to pending irrigation projects across Greater Rayalaseema, with the first phase covering Nellore and Anantapur districts, to build public awareness and pressure the government to complete them.
Sailajanath further alleged that farmers in Rayalaseema have received no assurance from the government as horticulture crops are drying up due to water scarcity and agricultural distress continues to worsen. He also criticized the coalition government over unfulfilled election promises, alleged irregularities in DSC recruitment, attempts to monetize public assets under PPP, and the lack of welfare delivery, stating that the government has failed to meet the expectations of the people during its two years in office.
The meeting was attended by YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, former MLAs Ananta Venkatarami Reddy, Kandula Nagarjuna Reddy, Katasani Rambhupal Reddy, S.V. Mohan Reddy, and other members of the Rayalaseema Lift Achievement Committee.
*20-hour delay put fishermen’s lives at risk: Vasupalli*
