Despite the water level in the Srisailam Reservoir crossing 878 feet, serious concerns are being raised over the non-release of irrigation water to farmers dependent on the KC Canal ayacut. Farmers allege that their crops are drying up while the government has failed to respond to their concerns.
Farmers Question Priority Given to Power Generation
Farmers and irrigation activists have alleged that while large quantities of water are being diverted for power generation, farmers in the Rayalaseema region are not receiving their legitimate share of irrigation water. They are questioning why water is not being released to the KC Canal when the Srisailam reservoir has sufficient storage.
TDP MLA’s Remarks Trigger Controversy
The comments made by Proddatur TDP MLA Varadarajulu Reddy have further intensified the controversy. He reportedly advised KC Canal farmers not to pin their hopes on receiving irrigation water and suggested that they cultivate dryland crops instead of paddy.
The remarks have caused considerable concern among farmers, particularly those who are already struggling to protect their standing crops due to the shortage of irrigation water.
Farmers Recall Earlier Water Releases
Farmers point out that during previous governments, irrigation water was released into the KC Canal even when the water level in the Srisailam Reservoir was relatively low.
They are now questioning why water is not being released despite the reservoir currently having adequate water levels. According to the farmers, the issue is not merely about water availability but also about the government’s priorities in allocating the available water.
Farmers Stage Unusual Protest in Handri-Neeva Canal
Meanwhile, farmers from the Nandikotkur region, along with leaders of various farmers’ organisations, staged an unusual protest demanding immediate irrigation water.
The protesters entered the Handri-Neeva Canal and wore nooses around their necks to draw attention to the seriousness of their situation. Through the protest, they demanded that the government immediately release water into the KC Canal and save their crops.
Deadline Set for the Government
The protesting farmers warned that if irrigation water is not released to the KC Canal by August 30, they will intensify their agitation.
They have announced that thousands of farmers will mobilise and lay siege to the Handri-Neeva project if the government fails to act within the deadline.
Growing Concern Over Rayalaseema Irrigation
The controversy has once again brought the issue of irrigation water allocation in Rayalaseema into focus. With farmers demanding water to protect their crops and questioning the government’s decision-making, pressure is mounting on the authorities to clarify the availability and allocation of water in the Srisailam reservoir and KC Canal system.
