YSRCP seeks swift action on Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) sought immediate recommencement and completion of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation (RLI) Project, warning of sustained agitations until the government takes action.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP district office, district party president Ananta Venkatarami Reddy, along with former MLAs and senior leaders of the district, said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu must prove his sincerity towards development of Rayalaseema by completing the project without delay. He warned that failing to act on this could push the drought-prone region toward desert-like conditions.

“Rayalaseema will not tolerate the continued injustice or political vendetta against the region under the guise of targeting former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy,” said Mr Venkatarami Reddy said.

Mr. Venkatarami Reddy also alleged that Andhra Pradesh was losing water due to unauthorised projects in neighbouring States. Telangana continues to draw nearly 8 tmcft water daily, even as Karnataka pushes ahead with plans to increase the Almatti dam height, a move that could threaten A.P.’s share, he alleged.

Former Chief Minister, late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, expanded the capacity of Pothireddypadu from 11,000 cusecs to 44,000 cusecs and advanced projects like Galeru-Nagari, Handri-Neeva and Telugu Ganga, while Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy planned RLI to lift 3 tmcft water per day during the 40-day floods at Srisailam. The Jagan Mohan Reddy government spent ₹990 crore, and close to 80 per cent of the project works were completed before it was stalled in 2024, citing environmental clearances.

Citing Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s statement that he had requested Mr. Chandrababu Naidu to stop the project, the former MLA stated that it had now become clear that RLI works were halted to benefit Telangana interests. He said the party would mobilise intellectuals, irrigation experts and regional activists to build pressure until pending works are completed.

The YSRCP leaders said that if the government ignored their demand, they would intensify a movement cutting across party lines to safeguard Rayalaseema’s water interests.