Palamuru leaders oppose water diversion to the Dindi project, seek alternative route
Hyderabad: Public representatives from Palamuru urged Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday to halt the proposed water diversion to Dindi from Yedula, warning that it could affect irrigation in the Palamuru ayacut.
The delegation raised concerns over the impact of supplying water to the Dindi project from Yedula. They requested the minister to consider an alternative route that would protect the irrigation needs of Palamuru farmers.
Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, MP Mallu Ravi, district MLAs, Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and former minister K. Jana Reddy participated in the meeting.
The representatives held discussions with Uttam Kumar Reddy for nearly one-and-a-half hours. During the meeting, they explained the problems associated with the proposed arrangement for supplying water to the Dindi project.
Water diversion to Dindi raises concerns over Palamuru ayacut
The delegation clarified that it did not oppose supplying water to the Dindi project. However, its members objected to drawing water from Yedula because of the potential impact on the Palamuru ayacut.
They maintained that the water requirements of the Dindi project should be addressed through an alternative route. They also urged the irrigation minister to examine other options instead of diverting water from Yedula.
The representatives reiterated their concerns about the possible consequences for irrigation in Palamuru. Their request focused on protecting the existing ayacut while allowing water supplies to the Dindi project through another route.
Meanwhile, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured the delegation that he would discuss the matter with irrigation officials before taking a decision. He also assured the representatives that the decision would be acceptable to all stakeholders.
The minister’s assurance followed the delegation’s request to reconsider the proposed water diversion to Dindi and explore an alternative supply arrangement.