Rayalaseema irrigation projects in dire condition, farmers demand immediate action

The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Coolie Sangham and Rayalaseema Irrigation Projects Committee visited the irrigation projects in the Rayalaseema, including  Velugodu Reservoir, Madras Canal, Banakacharla Cross Regulator and SRBC Canal, on Wednesday (January 21).

The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating state of irrigation projects in Rayalaseema.

Rythu Coolie Sangham state president Jhansi and Rayalaseema Irrigation Projects Committee president Bojja Dasharatharami Reddy said there was a gross mismatch between official announcements by the government and ground realities about water supply to Rayalaseema.

Despite the Telugu Ganga Project being launched over 40 years ago to irrigate 2.75 lakh acres in Kurnool and Kadapa districts as well as to supply drinking water to the then Madras city (now Chennai), the project’s current state is extremely disappointing, they said.

The delegation reported inadequate canal capacity, unfinished construction works, and obstructions along critical waterways, preventing the movement of water even for 20,000 acres. Key issues include incomplete aqueducts over the KC Canal on the SRBC Canal, delays in Banakacharla Cross Regulator works and diversion of water to unintended areas, which undermine both irrigation and historic water management systems.

Ms. Jhansi demanded immediate allocation of ₹20 crore to remove blockages and ensure smooth water flow from Srisailam Reservoir to balance reservoirs such as Gorakallu, Mailavaram, Paidipalem, and Chitravati. She urged the government to move beyond statements and take concrete action to utilise natural resources efficiently in Rayalaseema region. She also extended full support to the ongoing farmers’ movement in the region if the government fails to act.