YSRCP leaders decry ‘neglect’ of Handri-Neeva canal system
YSRCP leaders held a protest against the current government's management of the Handri-Neeva irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh. They allege that policy reversals and poor execution have compromised the region's water security.
Why it matters
Water management and irrigation infrastructure are critical political issues in Rayalaseema, often serving as a flashpoint for regional political conflict.
YSRCP leaders on Sunday inspected the Handri-Neeva canal system from Cholasamudram to Narayanapuram, and demanded immediate expansion of its capacity to 11,500 cusecs.
Th party alleged that the NDA government weakened one of Rayalaseema’s critical irrigation projects through poor execution and policy reversals.
As part of their ‘Chalo Cholasamudram’ protest to highlight the alleged neglect of the project, the YSRCP leaders visited the canal, and said its lining and expansion works were of substandard quality. They alleged large-scale irregularities in works costing ₹3,000 crore, and asserted that had the works been executed properly, Anantapur district would have received up to 80 tmc ft of water.
The NDA government had cancelled the G.Os issued during the YSRCP term and reduced the canal’s capacity to 3,850 cusecs, undermining the long-term irrigation needs of Rayalaseema, they alleged.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in