National status for Pranahita is top priority for T Harish Rao

Hyderabad: Minister for irrigation, marketing and legislative affairs, T. Harish Rao, who took charge on Sunday, said his topmost priority would be to achieve national status for Pranahita-Chevella project, which has the capacity to irrigate 16 lakh acres in the water-scarce areas of seven Telangana districts, on completion.

He said a special task force would be set up, which would pursue the case with the Centre.

“It requires over Rs 40,000 crore to complete the project. The state government cannot afford to spend such a huge amount. It requires the Centre’s support to complete the project. For that, getting national status is mandatory. If this is accorded the entire expenditure will be borne by the Centre. We urge the Centre to grant national status to the project on par with Polavaram,” Mr Rao said.

He stated that his target is to irrigate at least 1 lakh acres in each Assembly constituency. His priorities also include setting up more rythu bazaars to supply good quality vegetables at affordable prices and improve facilities in the market for farmers.

He named Bowenpally market after B.R.Ambedkar as a tribute to the great leader who was in favour of smaller states for better administration.

Markets would be made farmer-friendly by providing facilities to the farmers who come there to sell their produce, including computerisation of arrivals. Out of the 150 markets in Telangana most of them were trader friendly. Basic facilities such as rest rooms, toilets and canteens would be provided so that the farmers could stay overnight to sell their produce.

As legislative affairs minister, Mr Rao said, he would strive for enhancing the dignity and respect of the Legislative Assembly by enabling meaningful discussions on various issues.