IRRIGATION PROJECTS ‘BRS govt’s negligence led to disaster for farming community’

Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N Uttam Kumar Reddy has attributed the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal system’s current state to a decade of negligence by previous administrations. He stated that the poor maintenance of the irrigation projects during the BRS regime has led to the present crisis affecting farmers in the Sagar Ayacut area.
He pointed out that the lack of oversight and care for the canals has resulted in a disaster for the farming community. He specifically called out the incidents at Kaghita Ramachandrapuram and Rangundla as examples of inadequate management.
Accompanied by Kodada MLA Padmavathi, the Minister conducted a field inspection to assess the ongoing repairs to the left canal affected by the recent heavy rains. The inspection included visits to the Rangula Bridge, located at the border of Suryapet and Khammam districts, and various irrigation facilities within the Kodada constituency.
During the inspection, the Minister highlighted the “lack of repairs over the past 10 years, combined with the absence of adequate staff, has contributed to the current dire situation. He revealed that upon taking office, he had directed the hiring of 700 engineers and 1,800 staff members to address these issues.
The Minister announced that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would distribute appointment letters to the recruits on Thursday at the Jalasauda in Irram Manzil colony. He reassured that the government is firmly on the side of farmers, stating that the administration has been actively involved in monitoring the situation at the grassroots to assist in the wake of recent disasters.
Since the Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert, the official machinery has been mobilised for damage control measures. Minister Reddy mentioned that they are conducting on-ground inspections of affected areas and have initiated repairs on an emergency basis.
He urged the relevant authorities to call for short tenders to commence repair work, assuring that all tasks would be completed by the evening. The Minister also announced that water from Sagar will be released starting tomorrow morning.
He criticized those who prioritise politics over flood relief, stating, “While we focus on providing assistance, others are busy playing politics.”