AP MPs seek Central intervention in Babli project

New Delhi, Apr 11 (UNI) A delegation of Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh today met Union Water Resoruces Minister Saifuddin Soz seeking Central intervention to stop ''illegal construction'' on the controversial Babli project across the river Godavari.

They also expressed their anguish over police action against agitating Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists at the project site yesterday.

The MPs urged Prof Soz that enforcing the directions of Central Water Commission was the only way to restoration of order.

Maharashtra should release all the arrested leaders immediately, the MPs demanded.

The delegation consisted of Mr D Vital Rao, Mr Sarvey Satyanarayana, Mr Madhu Yashky Goud, Mr Vundavalli Arun Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Special Representative Dr Ravi Mallu explained how the Project upstream of Sri Rama Sagar Project (SRSP) would reduce waters upto 65 TMC to the downstream as against its capacity of 90 TMC.

Maharashtra, the MPs alleged not only denied permission to Andhra MLAs but turned down a request of State Major Irrigation Minister P Lakshmaiah.

The Central Water Commission had asked Maharashtra to keep the work in abeyance till the issue was resolved amicably. However, Maharashtra has resumed work in a clear violation of the CWC direction.

SRSP is the lifeline for seven drought prone districts of parched Telangana region and people were deeply hurt at the behaviour of neighbouring state, the MPs alleged.

UNI