YSRCP Leader Sailajanath Alleges Water Mismanagement Aggravated Andhra Pradesh Drought

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Sake Sailajanath has alleged that poor water management by the State government has aggravated the drought situation in Rayalaseema and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to the media at the party's central office in Tadepalli on Friday, Mr. Sailajanath claimed that the government failed to release water through the Pothireddypadu regulator when the Srisailam reservoir had about 185 tmc ft of water at a level of 880 feet last month.

He said that the water could have been diverted to the Telugu Ganga, Srisailam Right Branch Canal, K.C. Canal and reservoirs in Rayalaseema. The Srisailam level has since fallen to around 862 feet, and most reservoirs in the region are nearing dead storage, he added. The Pothireddypadu regulator is a crucial structure that controls the release of water from the Srisailam reservoir to the Telugu Ganga project, which supplies water to Rayalaseema and Chennai.

Mr. Sailajanath alleged that the situation could not be attributed entirely to the El Niño weather pattern, and described it as a “Yellow Niño” caused by the government’s negligence. Though the government was aware of the threat in February, it failed to prepare an advance action plan, he alleged. El Niño is a climate phenomenon that can lead to below-normal monsoon rainfall in India, often resulting in drought conditions.

He recalled that water had been released for protecting dry crops even in 2016, when Srisailam had only 73.6 tmc ft, and questioned the government’s handling of the present situation. He also alleged that poor quality works under the Handri-Neeva project prevented it from carrying even 3,000 cusecs, despite the government claiming to have spent ₹3,700 crore on the project. The Handri-Neeva project is an irrigation project aimed at providing water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region.

He claimed that orange, mango and banana orchards were drying up and that groundnut and red gram crops had withered in several areas. He demanded immediate water releases, adequate assistance for horticulture farmers and establishment of fodder distribution centres. Farmers in Rayalaseema have been facing severe distress due to crop failure and lack of water for both irrigation and livestock. The demand for immediate relief measures and compensation has been growing.

Mr. Sailajanath also alleged that reduction of the Polavaram project’s height to 41.15 metres was tantamount to betrayal of the interests of North Andhra. The Polavaram project is a multipurpose irrigation project on the Godavari river, and its height has been a contentious issue.

The drought situation in Andhra Pradesh has been a matter of concern, with Rayalaseema being one of the worst affected regions. The Srisailam reservoir is a key source of water for irrigation and drinking needs in the region. The State government has not yet responded to these allegations.

It is important to note that these are allegations made by a political leader, and the government's stance on the matter is awaited. The facts regarding the water levels and the release of water are subject to verification. The impact of the drought on farmers and the agricultural economy remains a critical concern for the State.