Tadepalli, July 22: The YSR Congress Party State Task Force Committee on Rayalaseema Water Issues held a meeting at the party's central office in Tadepalli to discuss the severe drought conditions prevailing in Rayalaseema, the mounting hardships faced by farmers, and the future course of action to safeguard the region's water rights. The meeting was attended by YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy as the chief guest, along with Task Force Convener Sake Sailajanath and committee members Ananta Venkatarami Reddy, Gadikota Srikanth Reddy and Kakani Govardhan Reddy.
The committee expressed serious concern over the prolonged rainfall deficit, falling reservoir levels and depletion of groundwater, which have left crops withering and farmers suffering heavy financial losses as irrigation borewells have failed. It noted that fodder shortages and drinking water scarcity were also worsening and demanded that the government immediately conduct a comprehensive field assessment and provide relief to affected farmers.
The meeting voiced strong concern over the proposed increase in the height of the Almatti Dam, stating that it would severely affect Andhra Pradesh, particularly Rayalaseema, by delaying Krishna river flows to irrigation projects in the region. The committee urged the State Government to mount a strong legal and technical challenge before the Centre and water authorities to protect Andhra Pradesh's interests and declared that any decision harming Rayalaseema's water rights would be firmly opposed.
The leaders reviewed district-level programmes undertaken by the party to build public awareness on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project and reiterated that the project is vital for the region and should not be sidelined for political reasons. They demanded that the government secure all required approvals, expedite execution of the project and complete pending irrigation works, including Handri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari and Veligonda, while releasing adequate funds. The committee also reiterated its demand for an inquiry into the substandard works executed under the Handri-Neeva lining project.
The meeting further called for immediate drought mitigation measures, including compensation for crop losses, rescheduling of crop loans, sanction of fresh agricultural credit, reduction of interest burden, establishment of fodder centres and special arrangements for drinking water supply in villages. It resolved to intensify the movement by holding district-level meetings with farmers, irrigation experts and public organisations and affirmed that the YSRCP would continue its fight to protect Rayalaseema's water rights and the interests of its farmers.
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