Experts to tour key irrigation projects from August 4 to 6

Amid rising concerns over the alleged irrigation mismanagement and political manipulation of Krishna water issue, a delegation of experts have announced a three-day field visit to major irrigation projects across Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing the media here on Friday, Aalochanaparula Vedika member and retired IPS officer A.B. Venkateswara Rao, Rythu Seva Samithi president Akkineni Bhavani Prasad, and irrigation analyst T. Lakshminarayana said the aim was to bring transparency and factual clarity to the decades’-long water disputes.

Mr. Venkateswara Rao criticised successive governments in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for politicising the issue. “Despite spending crores, projects remain incomplete. Water scarcity is used as an election gimmick, while long-pending projects such as Telugu Ganga, Handri-Neeva, and Galeru-Nagari suffer neglect,” he said.

Mr. Bhavani Prasad urged the government to prioritise the completion of ongoing schemes and prevent wastage of Krishna water into the sea. Mr. Lakshminarayana flagged underutilisation of infrastructure, citing the Srisailam reservoir and the ₹3,800-crore Handri-Neeva expansion.

The Aalochanaparula Vedika also condemned Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s accusations against Andhra Pradesh, calling them exaggerated and politically motivated. They opposed the proposed Polavaram-Banakacherla scheme, warning that it could endanger Rayalaseema’s interests.

The fact-finding tour, scheduled from August 4 to 6, would cover major projects. The team would visit Nallamala Sagar (main reservoir of Veligonda Project) and inspect the tunnel construction on August 4. It would visit Malyala and Muchumarri lift irrigation schemes, Pothireddypadu head regulator, Banakacherla cross regulator, and Velugodu reservoir on August 5, and Gorakallu and Alaganur reservoirs and Sunkesula Barrage on August 6. It would be followed by a consultation meeting with the farmer leaders and civil society members in Kurnool.