T Harish Rao Demands Congress Government Operate Kannepalli Pumps to Fill Reservoirs

Former minister and BRS leader T Harish Rao on Friday in Hyderabad demanded that the Congress-led Telangana government immediately operate the Kannepalli pump house to fill several key reservoirs using available Godavari waters. Speaking at a press conference, Rao accused the state government of letting water flow into Andhra Pradesh while local farmers suffer from severe water scarcity.

The former minister urged the government to end its political vendetta against the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project. He called for the immediate operation of the pumps to fill the Yellampalli, Annapurna, Ranganayaka Sagar, and Mallanna Sagar reservoirs, alongside other storage facilities, to ensure the available water is fully utilized.

Rao alleged that the Congress government is deliberately allowing Telangana’s share of Godavari waters to flow downstream into Andhra Pradesh. He claimed that the administration is attempting to cover up its failure to lift irrigation water from the Kannepalli pump house by spreading misinformation and false propaganda against both the Kaleshwaram project and the BRS.

During the news conference, Rao highlighted that the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages had successfully withstood massive flood flows of nearly 28 lakh cusecs in the past. He questioned why the current state government is attempting to create fear and panic when the present flood flow is only around one lakh cusecs.

Furthermore, Rao criticized the government for ignoring repeated recommendations made by retired irrigation engineers. These engineers had reportedly suggested methods for the optimal utilization of the available Godavari waters to assist farmers.

Rao pointed out that despite El Nino conditions and warnings of drought, the Godavari River continues to carry substantial inflows within Telangana. He stated that instead of storing this crucial water in the state's reservoirs, the government is letting it run off, causing irreparable damage to Telangana farmers who are already facing water scarcity issues.