HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao decided to bring to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the possible loss to granite, irrigation and drinking water supply sectors for imposing Goods and Services Tax (GST) on them.
“I will write a letter to the PM requesting Centre to remove granites, irrigation and drinking water supply items from the purview of GST,” Rao said.
According to sources, the pipes used for drinking water and irrigation projects were taxable under GST and the state request Centre to remove them from the GST. At a review on Irrigation sector at Pragati Bhavan on Tuesday, Rao said: “I will take up the issue of loss caused due to GST to these sectors with the PM soon.”
Rao expressed displeasure over some persons thinking of approaching National Green Tribunal against Kaleshwaram project, even as the SC refused to give stay on the construction of the project.
“I hoped that the gang which is obstructing the construction of projects will change its mindset. But, the gang has decided to approach NGT. I will not go back on construction of irrigation projects, despite these hurdles,” the CM said and directed officials to complete the construction of all the reservoirs under Kaleshwaram by 2019.“Drinking water to Hyderabad will be supplied from Mallanna Sagar,” KCR said.