Hyderabad: In an open letter addressed to the BJP-led Central Government, Bharatiya Rashtriya Samithi (formerly TRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao expressed his strong condemnation of the discriminatory actions taken by the Centre against Telangana State, specifically highlighting the unjust treatment of the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) by the Environment Assessment Committee (EAC), which has deferred the environmental clearance (EC) for the project.
In the letter, Rao expressed deep disappointment and emphasised the need to bring attention to the Centre’s discriminatory behaviour towards Telangana’s irrigation projects, particularly the PRLIS. He stressed the importance of addressing this issue promptly.
Rao emphasised that the Palamuru Rangareddy project holds immense significance for the drought-prone areas of Nagarkurnool, Mahabubnagar, Vikarabad, Narayanapet, Rangareddy, and Nalgonda Districts in Telangana. Its primary goal is to provide water for over 12.5 Lakh acres of land, as well as meet the drinking water requirements of numerous villages, Hyderabad City, and industries. The project has the potential to transform lives and alleviate the struggles caused by water scarcity.
Furthermore, Rao highlighted the historical challenges faced by the Districts of Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, and Nalgonda, including drought, water scarcity, and fluoride issues. The lack of irrigation facilities in Mahabubnagar has even led to migration. Following the formation of Telangana, the State Government initiated various irrigation projects to address these challenges, with the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme being one of the most significant ones.
Rao criticised the BJP-led Central Government for neglecting Telangana’s irrigation projects and failing to provide support or funding. He pointed out that the Government creates obstacles in granting permissions and denies national status to their projects. In contrast, projects in other states receive funding, permissions, and national recognition. Rao questioned the fairness of the Centre’s decision to grant national status to the Upper Bhadra irrigation project in Karnataka while denying the same to the PRLIS.
Addressing the issue of water sharing, Rao highlighted that the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II has not yet made a decision on the matter, and the Central government has not taken significant action to resolve it. Telangana has been demanding its rightful share of 500 TMC water from the Krishna River. Despite water being a state subject, Telangana is currently unable to utilise its own water from irrigation projects without obtaining permission from the Central Government. Rao expressed his disappointment with the way the BJP-led Central Government treats Telangana.
Rao firmly stated that the Central Government’s disregard for Telangana’s fair requests and lack of equal opportunities are unacceptable. He emphasised that Telangana’s indomitable spirit cannot be broken by the Centre’s lack of support. Despite these challenges, Telangana has consistently outperformed other states in various sectors. Rao called on everyone to condemn the unfair treatment of Telangana by the Central Government.