Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

TDP flays irrigation officials

HYDERABAD: Alleging new irregularities in the Sripada Sagar project (Yellampalli), the Telugu Desam has demanded Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to take action against irrigation officials for calling fresh tenders to execute works costing Rs.275 crore, even though they were included in the earlier estimate.

Senior TDP leaders N. Janardhan Reddy and P. Chandrashekhar told a press conference here on Sunday that works to irrigate two lakh acres were part of the agreement signed with the contractor. However, three fresh tenders for irrigating 49,500, 57,400 and 58,800 acres respectively were called. They asserted that the party would not remain silent if the government went ahead with the works.

Dr. Reddy, who visited the Yellampalli site along with other Public Accounts Committee members on Saturday, alleged that although less steel than mentioned in estimates/internal benchmark (IMB) was being used, excess payments were made, according to original projection.

He alleged that the pipes should have been 20 mm, as per the IBM stipulation, but the thickness was reduced to 16 mm. But payment was made for 20mm, resulting in a loss of Rs.206 crore to the government. He criticised the Congress members of PAC for not questioning the government on the issue. He faulted officials for not being ready with full information when the members visited the site. Meanwhile, TDP manifesto committee, which met on Sunday, received representations from various groups, including leaders of workers’ union. Committee chairman Y. Ramakrishnudu told reporters that Singareni Collieries and RTC would not be privatised and steps would be taken to strengthen RTC, if TDP was voted to power. He said a representation seeking separate Union ministry for BCs was received and it would be included in the manifesto.

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