Harish Rao lays stone for Sangameswara Lift Irrigation Project, vows to protect farmers’ interests
T Harish Rao on Wednesday recalled the days when water from the Singur project was diverted to Hyderabad city by the Andhra rulers and asked the people of Telangana to be vigilant
SANGAREDDY: Telangana Finance Minister T Harish Rao on Wednesday recalled the days when water from the Singur project – built in the erstwhile Medak district – was diverted to Hyderabad city by the Andhra rulers and asked the people of Telangana to be vigilant as similar indifference could cost the state dearly.
Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for the Rs 2,653 crore Sangameswara Lift Irrigation Project in Chinna Chelmeda of Munipalli Mandal on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Harish Rao said that the Singur project was built for the farmers of the district but it benefitted someone else. “Our farmers sacrificed their lands for the construction of the project while water was enjoyed by Andhra rulers,” he pointed out.
He assured the farmers who gave their lands for the Sangameswara project that the government under the leadership of K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) would protect their interests at any cost. “KCR has shown the world that farming is a celebration and not a waste like some big leaders have once said. This government is buying every grain that you produce and will continue to do so keeping your welfare in mind,” the minister said.
Further stating that Telangana would progress only under KCR, he warned people not to succumb to the false promises of political leaders. “We have sacrificed a lot for a separate state. Now don’t hand it over to poll-time visitors,” he cautioned.
The Sangameswara project, once completed, would provide irrigation to 2.19 lakh acres in Sangareddy, Andole and Zaheerabad assembly constituencies. About 12 TMC of water will be sourced from Komuravelli Mallanna Sagar, the mother reservoir of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) through two pump houses and 12 canals