KCR left irrigation damaged: Uttam

MEDIGADDA: The Congress government on Friday set a deadline of ten days for completing the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)’s recommended measures at the Sundilla, Annaram, and Medigadda barrages with irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy making it clear that not only must the works be completed in a week to a maximum of ten days, but every measure that Central authority had listed for each of the three barrages must be followed scrupulously by the contracting companies that built the barrages.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said the work was progressing at different pace at the three barrages and warnings had been issued to Navayuga repairing Sundilla barrage, and Afcons doing the same at Annarm, has been told to speed up the repairs.

Addressing a press conference, he said with the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls ending on Thursday, he took the first opportunity to inspect the barrages to take stock of the situation, and review the progress of the interim flood protection measures recommended by the NDSA.

“The previous government borrowed `94,000 crore at high interest rates for the Kaleshwaram project and it became clear in October last year after a part of Medigadda sank, and other two barrages springing leaks, that there were serious problems. The entire project has become useless as a result,” he said.

“Unlike the past BRS government, the Congress government will ensure that every rupee spent on irrigation will yield results and by finishing projects that are near completion, and by taking up other projects. This year alone, we have a target of adding 7 lakh acres of new ayacut,” he said.

Criticising the previous BRS government, Uttam Kumar Reddy said, “instead of completing the Tummidihatti project that would have cost `38,000 crore and added 16 lakh acres of new ayacut, the BRS government and KCR’s rule destroyed irrigation in the state.” He added: “And now after the BRS’ dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections, I have my doubts if whether the BRS will even exist.”

Uttam Kumar Reddy also made it clear that anyone found culpable for the state of affairs at the Kaleshwaram project, would not be spared.

“Action will be taken against those whomisappropriated, misused or wasted public money in the name of Kaleshwaram project. Action has already been taken against some officials who have been dismissed from service following the report from the Vigilance and Enforcement wing. And once the judicial commission submits its report, more action will be taken based on its findings,” he said.