AP Govt to take up Penganga project issue with Maharashtra

Hyderabad, Aug 10 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government would take up with the Maharashtra Government the urgent need for an irrigation project to make good use of Penganga waters, which have caused enormous loss to the people in lower riparian state, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekahara Reddy said today.

He announced this during his interaction with the flood-affected people of Adilabad district.

''We will provide all assistance to Maharashtra in this regard'', he added.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had stressed the need for taking up major irrigation projects, he said, adding that the floods had reinforced the urgent need for completing all pending projects across the major rivers.

The proposed projects could save at least a part of the flood water from flowing into the sea unutilised, he said.

''While some parts of the state are experiencing unprecedented floods, six districts are facing drought. If there are no rains, we will come out with alternative plans for these districts'', he added.

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