HYDERABAD: Telangana irrigation minister T Harish Rao will hold talks with his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Devineni Umamaheswara Rao after May 4 on issues relating to Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) and Pulichintala.
After befriending neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka governments on irrigation sector, Harish has decided to hold talks with Andhra Pradesh.
When, Harish met Karnatakai irrigation minister MB Patil over RDS works, the Karnataka government assured to complete the pending works in 50 days. However, Karnataka informed the TS officials that whenever they took up RDS modernisation works, the AP farmers were creating obstructions. So, Harish has decided to talk to AP Irrigation minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao and request them to cooperate with the RDS works.
According to sources, Harish recently called up Umamaheswara Rao and requested for the talks, for which the AP irrigation minister agreed. There were certain issues on implementing relief and rehabilitation package for the oustees of Pulichintala project. While, the project is located in Andhra Pradesh, the oustees are from Nalgonda district in Telangana state. The AP too wanted to store water to the brim in Pulichintala after the oustees issues were settled.
The talks between both the irrigation ministers will take place after May 4, sources in Telangana irrigation department told Express on Saturday.
JAGAN'S MOVE LOSS TO RAYALASEEMA
Meanwhile, sources in the Irrigation department said the proposed three-day agitation by AP Opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy against Palamuru-Rangareddy project was not correct.
TS wanted to utilise its share in flood waters for Palamuru-Rangareddy. If Jagan took up the agitation, then question of Pothireddypadu would be questioned, the sources said.
Plan of action
■ Harish Rao to discuss issues relating to RDS, Pulichintala
■ Will request AP to direct its farmers to cooperate with RDS works