South Africa tour of India 2019
BRS leaders defend Kaleshwaram project against criticism
Senior leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), including K. T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao, have strongly responded to criticism of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project by Union Minister C. R. Patil.
Patil had described the project as a wasteful expenditure of ₹1 lakh crore during a discussion in Parliament. In response, Rama Rao argued that such criticism is based on misinformation and ignores the project’s transformative impact on Telangana’s agriculture.
Citing official data, he stated that the project has significantly increased cultivable land and improved groundwater levels. According to him, agricultural output—particularly paddy production—has seen substantial growth over the past decade due to enhanced irrigation.
Rama Rao also referred to figures from the Economic Survey, noting that cultivable land in the state expanded from approximately 1.31 crore acres to 2.2 crore acres after the project’s completion. He invited the Union Minister to visit the site and assess its benefits firsthand.
Harish Rao echoed these sentiments, pointing to the continuous flow of water through the project’s canal network as evidence of its effectiveness. He highlighted that even during peak summer, water from the Godavari River is reaching regions like Siddipet and Dubbaka, supporting farmers and agriculture.
The leaders framed the project as a major success for Telangana, arguing that it has strengthened the state’s agrarian economy and improved rural livelihoods. They dismissed allegations of waste as politically motivated.
The exchange reflects broader political tensions, with infrastructure projects often becoming focal points for debate over development, governance, and public spending.
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