Dattatreya begins fast against Babli project

State Government's stand on irrigation projects come under fire Government's stand on projects draws flak

WARANGAL: The Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister, Bandaru Dattatreya, began his 24-hour hunger strike here protesting against the `indifferent attitude' of the State in stalling the Babli and other projects being constructed by Maharasthra.

Accompanied by party leaders, Mr. Dattatreya launched the hunger strike near the Collectorate.

Addressing the gathering, he said the Government had come up with plans to construct 26 irrigation projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 45,000 crores.

But, it had failed to ensure water allocated for each project and to prevail upon Karnataka and Maharasthra to stop unauthorised construction of irrigation projects.

"The projects being pursued by the neighbouring states are going to deprive water for farmers of Andhra Pradesh. The Government should have taken up the issue with the Centre and Central Water Commission," he pointed out.

"The ongoing Babli project in Maharasthra aims at utilising additional Godavari waters unauthorisedly. It will stop the water flowing into the SRSP which is catering to the needs of farmers in north Telangana region. Karimnagar and Warangal towns will be deprived of drinking water.

If the Government fails to sort out the issue with Maharasthra, the BJP will intensify the agitation," he said.

The BJP leader also found fault with the State Government for pursuing the projects like Pulichintala that were resulting in regional differences.

He advised the Government to complete Ichampalli project before going ahead with Pulichinthala. "The BJP wants the Government to ensure 800 tmc of Godavari waters to Telangana region which is its rightful share," he said.