VIJAYAWADA: A day after Opposition leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy alleged graft in the execution of Polavaram project, Water Resources Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao lambasted the YSRC chief for making baseless accusations. The minister fumed at Jagan saying that he was incapable of continuing as the Leader of the Opposition.
Speaking to the media here on Thursday, the minister said that Jagan’s lack of understanding of irrigation was clearly evident from the baseless allegations he made. “About 50,000 farmers have so far visited the project site. But, Jagan has not been able to visit it because of the sins he had committed in his past and present life.
The person, who floated shell companies, is alleging irregularities in Polavaram project. He should know that Union Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal, in Rajya Sabha, clearly stated that there were no irregularities in the Rehabilitation and Resettlement of the project oustees,” he said, adding that NABARD officials, who visited the project site earlier this week, also appreciated the State for the work progress.
He further alleged that the Opposition leader made his aides file false cases against Pattiseema project in courts. “This shows his vengeful tactics,” he said. As on Thursday, Devineni Uma explained, 491 TMC of Godavari water wastefully went into the sea. “We have been able to use 39.77 TMC for Godavari delta and diverted about 20 TMC to Krishna region. Thousands of farmers benefited due to it. Yet, the YSRC chief is unable to see it. He appears to be a blind man with eyes,” he retorted.
He also said that the State government was making efforts to ensure supply of water for irrigation to all regions. “We have received 6.9 per cent lesser cumulative rainfall between June 1 and July 26. We are informing the farmers about the status of the water availability periodically,” he concluded.