BRS neglected Palamuru, favoured Kaleshwaram: Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday accused the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of deliberately neglecting irrigation projects in the Palamuru region while favouring the Kaleshwaram project, calling it a clear case of regional discrimination.

BRS allegations are baseless propaganda, says Uttam

Addressing the media during an informal chit-chat at his chamber in Telangana Legislative Assembly here, Uttam rejected BRS allegations of injustice to the erstwhile Palamuru, Nalgonda and Khammam districts as ‘baseless propaganda’ and asserted that the present government is committed to completing long-pending irrigation projects and delivering water to drought-prone regions.

‘Harish Rao’s arrogance exposed’

Uttam took strong exception to BRS leader Harish Rao’s remarks, stating that he appears to believe he is a ‘master of irrigation.’

“Why this arrogance? He is using demeaning language. We are prepared to place every document before the public to show what happened during whose tenure,” Uttam said, while displaying copies of old Government Orders to the media.

90 TMC demand, not 45 TMC

Clarifying the government’s stand on Krishna waters, Uttam said Telangana had demanded 90 TMC for Krishna basin districts, contrary to claims that only 45 TMC was sought.

“False propaganda is being spread. BRS survives on lies. Why would I write any letter that harms Telangana’s interests?” he asked.

Selective disclosure of CWC Letter alleged

The Minister accused BRS leaders of selectively highlighting only a portion of the letter written to the Central Water Commission.

“They are showing only one part of the letter and deliberately suppressing the Krishna basin portion. We are ready for a detailed presentation on the Krishna basin in the Assembly,” Uttam said.

Palamuru–Rangareddy Project being revived

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the Palamuru–Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Uttam said the original proposal of 90 TMC—45 TMC for minor irrigation and 45 TMC for Godavari diversion—is being pursued, based on Government Orders issued during the previous regime.

He said the government has first sought clearance for the 45 TMC earmarked for minor irrigation, which falls under existing savings.

‘BRS agreed to only 7 TMC in Supreme Court’

Uttam pointed out that BRS leaders themselves had agreed to only 7 TMC in the Supreme Court. “You failed to complete the project in ten years. We will complete it and supply water to Palamuru,” he asserted.

Cost escalation and delays under BRS

The Minister said it took seven years for the BRS government to submit the DPR to the Centre, by which time Rs 21,000 crore had already been spent.

“The project was started with an estimate of Rs 35,000 crore, later revised to Rs 65,000 crore while submitting the DPR to the CWC. When BRS left office, only Rs 27,000 crore had been spent,” he said.

‘False claims of 80% completion’

Terming BRS claims of 80 per cent completion as misleading, Uttam said only about 35 per cent of the estimated cost had actually been spent. “In just two years, our government has spent Rs 7,000 crore and accelerated works,” he added.

‘BRS neglected Palamuru, favoured Kaleshwaram’

Uttam alleged that while Rs 27,000 crore was spent on Palamuru projects, nearly Rs 1 lakh crore was spent on Kaleshwaram, exposing discrimination against the region.

He also alleged that Palamuru project capacity was reduced while Kaleshwaram’s capacity was increased during the previous regime.

Pending projects and stalled works

Despite Rs 1.83 lakh crore being spent on irrigation, Uttam said key Palamuru projects such as Nettampadu, Kalwakurthy and Bhima remain incomplete.

He alleged that Narayanpur and Edula link works were stalled and that SLBC was neglected despite requiring only Rs 2,000 crore for completion.

Medigadda repairs to begin soon

On Medigadda barrage repairs, Uttam said notices had been issued to L&T, which has agreed to multiple tests and inspections.

“Repair works at Medigadda will begin shortly,” the minister assured.