Oppn demands AP Govt not to execute Yellampalli project

Hyderabad, Apr 22 (UNI) The Opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh today demanded that the state Government cancel the tenders called for taking up the Yellampalli Irrigation Project to bring Godavari waters to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad for drinking purpose, saying it was not economically viable.

At a round table conference organised by the Telugu Desam Party, which was attended by the leaders of CPI, CPI(M), BJP and irrigation experts and engineers, they demanded that the Government take up the project to bring Godavari waters from Kanthlapalli in Warangal district, which would be beneficial and economically viable to permanently solve the drinking water problems of the twin cities.

TDP Deputy Floor leader T Devender Goud said there was no meaning in calling for tenders to bring Godavari waters from Yellampalli from 220 km to the city, instead of taking up third phase of the Krishna water project, which would wipe away the water woes till 2011.

Demanding an all-party meeting to discuss the project, CPI Floor leader Ch Venkata Reddy said though they had advised the Government not to take up the Yellampalli project, it had hurriedly called for tenders. The party would exert pressure on the Government to take up the third phase of Krishna water project immediately.

CPI(M) Floor leader Nomula Narasimhaiah alleged that the Government was not taking up projects on the basis of needs and priority. If the Government took up the Kanthalapalli project, Medak, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda and Warangal districts would be benefitted.

BJP State Secretary K Laxmana alleged that the Government was spreading false propaganda that the Opposition parties were obstructing to bring Godavari waters from Yellampalli.

Representatives from the Institution of Engineers, who also participated in the conference, said it would require Rs 17,000 crore to bring 30 TMC water from Yellampalli to the city, whereas only Rs 11,000 crore was needed to bring 50 TMC water from Kanthalapalli. Besides, it would not only cater to the drinking water needs of Hyderabad, Warangal and Nalgonda, but also provide water for irrigation to three lakh acres in these districts.

UNI BR VA GD AE AS1740