Naidu firm on Pattiseema LI scheme
HYDERABAD: Despite the growing opposition from the farmers belonging to Godavari and Krishna deltas to the proposal to divert water from River Godavari to River Krishna through Indira Sagar Polavaram Project Right Main Canal (ISRMC) for domestic and industrial use by undertaking Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made it clear that the State government would go ahead with the project.
Days after according administrative sanction for the release of `1,300 crore to carry out works of the scheme, the Chief Minister categorically stated that the construction works of the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation scheme would begin on February 15. He reportedly indicated that he would lay the foundation stone on Feb 15.
While reviewing the progress of construction of irrigation projects across the State with the officials of the irrigation department in Vijayawada, Naidu told them that the government had decided to complete the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation scheme at the earliest so as to pump 8,500 cusecs of flood water from River Godavari to River Krishna through the Polavaram Right Canal at Pattiseema to address the irrigation needs of farmers belonging to Krishna delta as well as Rayalaseema.
Turning down the objections being raised by farmers belonging to the Godavari and Krishna deltas to the lift irrigation scheme, Naidu said, 'With the proposed lift irrigation scheme, only the flood waters will be diverted from Godavari to Krishna. So, this scheme will not be detrimental to the interests of the farmers of Godavari and Krishna deltas. Moreover, this arrangement will be in place till the completion of Polavaram Project'.
He said this project would benefit the backward Rayalaseema to use water for domestic and industrial purposes. Hence, he asked officials to complete the works before the next season.
However, thinking that the government might divert the Godavari water to Krishna, depriving them of their irrigation rights through this lift irrigation scheme, Godavari delta farmers are opposing the project tooth and nail.
Like them, even Krishna delta farmers are saying a firm no to this project, alleging that by executing this lift irrigation scheme, the government might divert Krishna waters to Rayalaseema undermining the irrigation needs of the Krishna delta.
News Posted: 27 January, 2015
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