YSRCP demands Srisailam water release into Somasila amid drought

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) SPSR Nellore district president Kakani Govardhan Reddy has demanded that the State government release water from the Srisailam project into the Somasila reservoir, citing the drought conditions prevailing in the district.

During his visit to Venkatachalam and Muthukur mandals, which are part of his Sarvepalli constituency, on Friday, Mr. Govardhan Reddy interacted with farmers and found crops withering in the upland areas. He also alleged that the government had failed to supply adequate quantities of seeds for short-duration or alternative crops.

Mr. Govardhan Reddy, who had served as Agriculture Minister in the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy Cabinet, blamed the State government for what he described as mismanagement of water resources. Speaking to the media later, he warned that the “flawed” water management system could lead to a shortage of drinking water for people and cattle in the coming days.

“While the Srisailam project has adequate water, which is being utilised by Telangana, the State government has failed to release water through the Pothireddypadu head regulator to benefit the drought-hit areas,” he said.

Chalo Nellore Barrage

Mr. Reddy also gave a “Chalo Nellore Barrage” call to farmers of the Nellore delta for September 8 to press for their riparian rights.

“The farmers have a right to this water for their first crop, but the situation appears bleak,” he said.