Hans News Service Kodad / Huzurnagar

IrrigationMinister N Uttam Kumar Reddy accused BRS leaders of spreading false propaganda that Krishna and Godavari waters meant for Telangana were being diverted to Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that the opposition was exploiting farmers’ concerns over possible water scarcity due to the El Niño effect for political gain.

During his visit to Suryapet district on Wednesday, the Minister inspected lift irrigation projects and the Young India Integrated Residential School construction. He claimed Telangana had utilised more Krishna and Godavari water under the Congress government than during the previous BRS regime. He said the government had paid nearly Rs. 90,000 crore to farmers through paddy procurement and introduced a Rs. 500 per quintal bonus for fine-variety paddy.

Uttam announced that the long-pending Janpahad Lift Irrigation Scheme would be commissioned by January 31, providing Krishna water to 10,000 acres across 15 villages. He directed officials to complete the pump house by December-end and the power substation by January-end, warning of strict action against delays. Six local tanks will also be filled under the project.

Considering possible water shortages during the coming Rabi season, he urged farmers to cultivate less water-intensive crops and assured adequate drinking water and food grain supplies.