Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the Telangana government would complete three irrigation projects envisioned by late Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
He named the Pranahita-Chevella, SLBC and Kalwakurthy lift irrigation projects. Accordingly, he said the government would dedicate them to Telangana society after completion.
He made the announcement at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy Awards-2026 ceremony in New Delhi. The Dr YSR-KVP Foundation organised the event at Constitution Club.
Revanth Reddy said the projects represented Dr YSR’s vision for Telangana. In addition, he announced that the projects would provide irrigation to 16 lakh acres.
The event honoured the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation for its work in Indian agriculture, food security, sustainable development and rural livelihoods.
Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge attended the programme. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Tummala Nageswara Rao and Vivek Venkataswamy also participated.
Meanwhile, MP Jairam Ramesh, MLC B. Mahesh Goud and KVP Foundation president K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao were among those present.
Irrigation projects linked to YSR’s vision
Revanth Reddy thanked the organisers for conducting the event in memory of Dr YSR.
He recalled YSR’s efforts for farmers during his political career. Moreover, the chief minister said the late leader remained concerned about farmers throughout his life.
Revanth Reddy also recalled YSR’s 2003 Praja Prasthanam padayatra. During the march, YSR travelled through the State in intense summer heat, he said.
The chief minister said the former leader undertook the march to understand the problems of poor people and farmers.
According to Revanth Reddy, YSR decided to provide free electricity to strengthen farmers’ self-respect.
Furthermore, he recalled that YSR signed the file for free power to farmers soon after assuming office.
The chief minister said YSR also waived Rs.1,300 crore in electricity dues at the time. He added that cases filed against farmers were withdrawn.
As a result, Revanth Reddy said, YSR earned a special place among farmers.
Free rice scheme cited as PDS legacy
Revanth Reddy also called for collective efforts to fulfil what he described as YSR’s last wish.
He then referred to the public distribution system introduced during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure.
He said the PDS aimed to ensure basic food security for poor people in rural areas. The system provided rice, wheat and other essential commodities.
Today, Revanth Reddy said Telangana was providing free fine rice to 3.40 crore people.
Each beneficiary was receiving six kilograms of rice, he said.
Moreover, the chief minister attributed the present system to the PDS framework introduced by the Congress.
The award ceremony in New Delhi also recognised the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation for its contribution to agriculture and rural livelihoods.
The Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy Award-2026 was presented to the foundation during the programme.
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✅డాక్టర్ వైఎస్సార్-డాక్టర్ కేవీపీ ఫౌండేషన్ ఆధ్వర్యంలో… pic.twitter.com/NqjXDNFhc7
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