Hyderabad: BRS Working President KT Rama Rao has written an open letter to the BJP-led Central government regarding the Environmental Assessment Committee’s decision to defer the environmental clearance for the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS). In the letter, Rao expressed disappointment with the discriminatory actions of the Central government towards Telangana State, particularly in relation to irrigation projects like PRLIS.
Rao emphasized that the PRLIS is crucial for providing water to drought-prone areas in Telangana such as Nagarkurnool, Mahabubnagar, Vikarabad, Narayanapet, Rangareddy, and Nalgonda Districts. This project aims to benefit over 12.5 lakh acres of land and meet the drinking water needs of villages, Hyderabad City, and industries. It has the potential to improve lives and alleviate water scarcity issues.
Rao highlighted the historical challenges faced by Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, and Nalgonda Districts, including drought, water scarcity, and fluoride issues. These problems have led to migration and hindered agricultural development. After the formation of Telangana State, the government initiated several irrigation projects to address these issues. The PRLIS is one of the significant projects undertaken by Telangana.
However, Rao pointed out that the BJP-led Centre has been neglecting Telangana’s irrigation projects by not providing support or funds. They also create obstacles in granting permissions and refuse to grant national status to Telangana projects, while projects in other states receive funding and permissions. This unfair treatment is exemplified by granting national status to the Upper Bhadra irrigation project in Karnataka but denying it to the PRLIS.
Rao also raised concerns about the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II’s decision on sharing water between four states. The Central government has not taken significant action to address this matter, despite Telangana’s demand for its rightful share of 500 TMC water from the Krishna River. Currently, Telangana cannot utilize its own water from irrigation projects without obtaining permission from the central government, even though water is a state subject.
Rao expressed disappointment with the way the BJP-led Central government treats Telangana and their disregard for the state’s fair requests and development opportunities. However, he emphasized that Telangana’s indomitable spirit cannot be broken by the lack of support from the Centre. Despite these challenges, Telangana has consistently outperformed other states in various sectors. Rao urged everyone to condemn the unfair treatment of Telangana by the Central government.
