Nimmala slams YSRCP over Handri-Neeva Project

A heated discussion took place in the Legislative Council on Wednesday regarding the Handri-Neeva project. Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu strongly reacted to YSRCP members’ criticism of the lining work of the Handri-Neeva canal. He accused the Opposition party of not supporting the development of Rayalaseema and said, “You don’t need lining, and you don’t need the development of Rayalaseema. If the people of this region prosper, it will expose your corruption and you’re afraid of that.”
Minister Nimmala further stated that the YSRCP was obstructing development projects at every step, raising irrelevant questions and spreading lies to the public. “For five years, you ignored the Handri-Neeva project, and now you’re questioning the works. It’s absurd to ask us these questions when it was the previous CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, who did nothing for the project,” he said, criticising the lack of action under the previous administration.
The Minister also raised concerns over Jagan Mohan Reddy leaving the Handri-Neeva project work incomplete despite issuing a GO to release 6,200 cusecs of water. He criticised the hypocrisy of those opposing the lining now, but accepting the proposals when Jagan Mohan Reddy was in power.
Highlighting the previous contributions of the TDP government, he pointed out that the 3850 cusec capacity pumps installed by Chandrababu Naidu were left unused by the YSRCP, unable to bring water into the Handri-Neeva canal. “The YSRCP has no right to talk about Handri-Neeva,” he said.
Nimmala said that all major projects in Rayalaseema, including the Handri-Neeva project, were completed by NTR and Chandrababu Naidu.
“Chandrababu started the 798-foot lift for the Muchumarri Lift Irrigation Project, but Jagan ignored it,” the Minister added, expressing concern over how the rights to Krishna, Tungabhadra and Godavari water were transferred to the Central government due to the negligence of the YSRCP.
Minister Nimmala further stressed the commitment of the current government to the Handri-Neeva project, describing it as a lifeline for Rayalaseema. “Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu allocated Rs 3,240 crore in the State budget for the project and the works are progressing smoothly, and we will ensure water reaches all constituencies in Kurnool, Anantapur and Chittoor districts,” he affirmed.