Date:22/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/22/stories/2007072259980600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister hints modification of GO

Correspondent

MAHABUBNAGAR: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has indicated that the controversial GO Ms 34 to promote micro irrigation in all major lift irrigation projects would be modified.

Talking to reporters near the Jurala Project on Saturday Mr. Reddy said micro irrigation systems would be implemented in the ayacut of LI projects only when ayacutdars demanded it.

He said Government would allow digging of regular field channels under all LI projects simultaneously. Sumps for 10,000 to 12, 000 acres each would also be constructed under the schemes for farmers who wished to go for micro irrigation systems.

LI schemes

With this, the Chief Minister made it clear that GO Ms 34 that was issued to make micro irrigation compulsory under LI schemes and cancelling digging of field channels would be modified, in view of the mounting pressure on him to scrap the order.

He said about eight lakh acres of land in Mahbubnagar would be brought under the plough, on completion of the projects. He said though there were 34, 90,000 acres of cultivable land in the district, only two lakh acres were irrigated with Jurala and Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme, since the State was formed.