In a sharp critique of past and present state administrations, Telangana Jagruthi president K Kavitha has alleged that deliberate neglect of a key irrigation project by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government resulted in the state losing its rightful claim over a massive share of Krishna river water.
Allegations of Deliberate Neglect and Water Rights Loss
Kavitha claimed that the BRS regime intentionally sidelined the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) while prioritizing the Kaleshwaram project. This move, she asserted during her visit to Nagarkurnool district on Saturday as part of the Jagruthi Janmabatta programme, had severe consequences. Telangana lost its claim over 90 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of Krishna water due to this inaction.
She warned that Telangana's continued dependence on the Srisailam project, which is a joint venture, would permanently trap the state in complex inter-state water disputes with neighbors. To secure long-term water security, Kavitha demanded the construction of an independent irrigation project for Telangana, similar to Andhra Pradesh's Nallamala Sagar.
Corruption Charges and Land Rights Issues
The leader leveled serious allegations of corruption within the PRLIS project. Kavitha stated that thousands of crores of rupees were spent on works that required minimal execution, indicating massive financial irregularities. She specifically pointed to the Yelluru pump house, where she accused former ministers of corruption, alleging that faulty construction led to motor damage and subsequent irrigation failures.
Further highlighting injustice to farmers, Kavitha demanded the immediate return of 900 acres of land acquired for black soil at the Vattam reservoir. She claimed this land is currently under the illegal occupation of contractors, depriving the original farmer owners of their rightful property.
Broader Critique of Successive Governments
Kavitha expanded her criticism to include the current Congress government as well. She stated that while Telangana is entitled to 550 TMC of Krishna water, successive state governments have failed to utilize even the permitted share. She accused the Congress administration of weakening Telangana's legal claim by publicly stating that 45 TMC was sufficient, which she termed an effective surrender of the state's additional water rights.
Both the BRS and Congress governments were criticized for failing to protect Telangana's interests against aggressive water projects launched by the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Infrastructure Neglect in Backward Districts
Beyond water issues, Kavitha called attention to the systemic neglect of backward districts compared to Hyderabad. She cited the example of Nagarkurnool, which still lacks railway connectivity even 12 years after the formation of Telangana. She described this as a grave injustice and urged the local Member of Parliament to take responsibility for completing the Gadwal–Macherla railway line, emphasizing that rail connectivity is crucial for economic growth, employment generation, and overall regional development.
Kavitha also flagged the issue of unchecked sand mining in the region, which she said is widening economic inequality and harming the local environment and economy. Her visit and statements underscore growing political focus on regional development and resource allocation within Telangana.
