YSRCP demands White Paper on spending on irrigation in Rayalaseema

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Tuesday demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government release a White Paper detailing the funds spent on irrigation projects in the Rayalaseema region, alleging that claims of massive expenditure were far from facts and aimed at misleading the public.

Addressing the media, YSRCP spokesperson S.V. Satish Kumar Reddy questioned Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu’s assertion that ₹8,000 crore had been spent on Rayalaseema projects. He said the government must come clean by publishing a White Paper, outlining project-wise expenditure and physical progress in the region.

Referring to the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS), Mr. Satish Kumar Reddy said the project was designed to supply water to the drought-prone region by drawing water from Srisailam at a lower level.

“Neighbouring Telangana is lifting water at around 800 feet through projects such as Kalwakurthy, Palamuru–Rangareddy, and Bhima, underscoring the urgency of completing the RLIS,” he said.

The YSRCP leader alleged that the government had prevented a party delegation from visiting the Kandaleru project in Nellore district without any valid reason.

He accused the government of collecting commissions for clearing contractors’ bills, claiming that commissions in some cases reached up to 25 per cent.

Mr. Satish Kumar Reddy demanded that the government take an all-party delegation to Rayalaseema and showcase the development works corresponding to the claimed ₹8,000 crore expenditure by January 19.

Failing this, he said, the YSRCP would independently visit all irrigation projects in the region and expose what he termed the negligence by the government.