Hyderabad: Former S. Niranjan Reddy accused the Congress government of neglecting key irrigation works, intensifying the Niranjan Reddy Palamuru projects criticism on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, he said the government had ignored essential initiatives in the Palamuru region. He warned that protests would intensify if authorities failed to act immediately.
He said the government must ensure that reservoirs linked to the projects were filled before the monsoon. He added that timely action remained critical to support farmers in the region.
Niranjan Reddy Palamuru projects row sparks protest warning
Niranjan Reddy said the BRS would finalise its action plan by the first week of May. Subsequently, the party would launch protests, including padayatras, to pressure the government.
“We will expose those responsible for delays and take the issue to the public,” he said. He stressed that completing pending works in the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme remained urgent.
In addition, he called for ensuring a steady water supply through the Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Project. He also demanded withdrawal of the proposed Gollapalli reservoir, citing public opposition.
Niranjan Reddy Palamuru projects criticism targets delays
The former minister said Palamuru had once been prosperous but later suffered drought, migration and poverty after the formation of Andhra Pradesh. However, he said the BRS government began reversing the trend after 2014 through major irrigation investments.
He alleged that the current government’s inaction was pushing farmers back into distress. Moreover, he questioned the absence of review meetings on the projects despite the Chief Minister’s connection to the region.
Niranjan Reddy Palamuru projects issue highlights pending works
Niranjan Reddy also criticised both State and Central governments for failing to secure approvals and resolve interstate issues. According to him, only 10% of the work remained pending.
He said authorities could complete the remaining work within months if they acted seriously. Otherwise, he warned that delays in the Niranjan Reddy Palamuru projects would harm agriculture and livelihoods in the region.