Irrigation – Somireddy Accuses YSRCP of Misleading Public on Rayalaseema Projects
Irrigation –TDP Politburo member Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy has accused the YSRCP of spreading misinformation over irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, claiming the opposition is attempting to politicise the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme despite failing to advance major water infrastructure during its term in office.
TDP Politburo member Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the YSR Congress Party, alleging that its leaders were presenting a distorted picture of irrigation development in Rayalaseema. Speaking at the Telugu Desam Party headquarters in Mangalagiri, he said the opposition had no moral authority to question the NDA coalition government’s efforts after, according to him, making little progress on major irrigation initiatives between 2019 and 2024.
Questions Raised Over Previous Government’s Performance
Addressing reporters, Somireddy urged YSRCP leaders to first assess their own record before criticising the present administration. He said the party should explain the status of irrigation development undertaken during its five years in power rather than targeting the current government.
According to him, the opposition was attempting to divert public attention by blaming the TDP-led administration for issues that originated during the previous government’s tenure. He alleged that such claims were intended to create confusion among the people regarding the actual progress of irrigation projects in the region.
Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme in Focus
Somireddy also responded to criticism surrounding the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, maintaining that the project was not stopped because of any action taken by the present government. He argued that the reasons behind the delay were linked to legal and environmental requirements that emerged while the YSRCP was in office.
He said it was incorrect to attribute the project’s stalled progress to the current administration and insisted that the facts surrounding the scheme should be presented accurately to the public.
NGT Order Cited as Key Reason for Delay
Referring to the National Green Tribunal’s intervention, Somireddy pointed out that the tribunal had directed in October 2020 that construction work on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme should not continue until mandatory environmental approvals had been secured.
He stated that this directive was issued during the YSRCP government’s tenure and remained an important factor affecting the project’s implementation. According to him, the tribunal’s order made it clear that environmental compliance was essential before any further work could proceed.
Allegations Over Lack of Follow-Up Action
The senior TDP leader further claimed that the YSRCP government continued in office for nearly four years after the tribunal’s order, providing sufficient time to address the required clearances and move the project forward.
However, he alleged that the previous administration failed to take effective measures to resolve the pending issues. Instead, he said, it was now attempting to shift responsibility to the present government rather than acknowledging its own shortcomings.
Somireddy maintained that the NDA coalition remained committed to the development of Rayalaseema and the completion of infrastructure projects that could strengthen irrigation facilities across the region. He reiterated that public debate on such issues should be based on verified facts and administrative records rather than political allegations.