Irregularities detected in KC canal modernisation: Minister

Hyderabad, Feb 19 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister P Lakshmaiah today admitted in the State Assembly that irregularities were detected in the modernisation of the Kurnool-Kadapa canal.

Replying to Devineni Rajasekhar and other Congress members, Mr Lakshmaiah said the Vigilance Department, which suo moto conducted an inquiry following press reports, had recommended disciplinary action against 52 engineers in this connection. The report of the Vigilance department was under examination by the Government, he added.

Earlier, replying to Ch Venkat Reddy and other CPI members, Rural Development Minister D Srinivas said drinking water project was under way in 416 habitations, out of which 153 had already been provided with water. The remaining habitations would be covered during the next two years, he added.

Replying to T Jeevan Reddy and J Rathnakar Rao (both Congress), Mr Srinivas said the state government had contested the methodology adopted by National Sample Survey Organisation which put incidence of poverty at 15.77 per cent in 1999-2000.

UNI