Hyderabad: BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao on Saturday criticised the Congress govt over its handling of the Tummidihatti project issue and its continued campaign against the Kaleshwaram project.Speaking to reporters in Siddipet, Harish accused the Revanth govt of neglecting Telangana’s irrigation interests by intentionally not taking up immediate repairs to the damaged pillars of the Medigadda barrage. “Immediate repairs are essential to protect the state from the drought threat expected due to the El Niño effect. The Congress ministers’ visit to Tummidihatti exposed their priority of seeking publicity,” he alleged.Harish, who also served as irrigation minister in the previous BRS govt, questioned why no work was carried out in the last 30 months under the present Congress govt if everything was already finalised.“Maharashtra former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had officially written to then Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, objecting to unilateral works without agreement and warning that such efforts would become meaningless,” Harish claimed.He pointed out contradictions within the Congress govt itself. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao claimed water could flow to Yellampalli through gravity from Tummidihatti.“Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and chief minister A Revanth Reddy also gave statements on the issue. Who is speaking the truth? Interstate water issues require dialogue and coordination, not provocation through public letters and political statements,” Harish said.The Congress had failed to execute the Pranahita-Chevella project despite being in power simultaneously in Delhi, Maharashtra, and undivided Andhra Pradesh. The Congress govt spent only ₹3,780 crore on Pranahita-Chevella works and land acquisition, he alleged.“Even during peak summer, nearly 6,400 cusecs of water is currently flowing at Medigadda, while only around 2,000 cusecs is available near Tummidihatti. Kaleshwaram is Telangana’s protection against future drought. Scientists have warned about severe drought conditions due to El Niño next year, “ Harish said.He further demanded that the Congress govt stop “drama politics” around Tummidihatti and immediately begin repair works at Medigadda to ensure irrigation and drinking water supply for Telangana farmers.
