Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051216170300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Others

State awaits report on Godavari water for Kamareddy

Staff Reporter

LI scheme work will commence next year: YSR

MACHAREDDY (NIZAMABAD DT.): Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy has said that a detailed survey on the possibility of giving Godavari water to Kamareddy division has been under way and as soon as the survey report comes works will be launched.

Addressing a well-attended meeting arranged in connection with the Praja Patham programme here on Thursday, he said the purpose of the survey was to explore possibilities to provide water for irrigation to dry lands in Kamareddy division and up to Chevella in Rangareddy district through a lift scheme from Yellampally reservoir.

It would be over by this year and the LI scheme work would commence next year, he said and added that about 16 lakh acres were expected to be irrigated with this scheme.

Rs. 10 crores granted

In addition, he announced on the spot an additional amount of Rs.10 crores for minor irrigation works in the district.

In response to a demand reportedly made by B. Sudarshan Reddy, MLA from Bodhan constituency, he said he would try to ensure water for drinking purpose in the constituency through Ali Sagar lift scheme.

Assembly Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy said diversion of Godavari water to backward and dry land areas remained as a dream hitherto. Since the Chief Minister was determined to divert them the dream was going to be realised soon.

Presiding over the meeting, Minister for Information, Mohammad Ali Shabbir, said the Kamareddy area was water starved and drought hit and the Godavari waters was only the alternative for the people of this area. Minister for Rural Development, D. Srinivas also spoke. Sudarshan Reddy, S. Gangaram and B. Govardhan, MLAs from Bodhan, Jukkal and Banswada respectively, Nizamabad Mayor D. Sanjay and DCC president G. Gangadhar were present.