Overview
- A YSRCP delegation inspected the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation site in Jupadu Bungala mandal and pressed for immediate resumption of works.
- The push followed Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s statement in his Assembly that he persuaded Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to stop the project.
- YSRCP leaders said nearly 85% of work was finished under their tenure and warned of a mass movement with farmers and unions if activity does not restart.
- Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu argued the previous government advanced the scheme without a Detailed Project Report or environmental clearance, leading the NGT to halt works and levy penalties.
- The minister said about Rs 990 crore has been spent without delivering extra water and asserted existing Malyala and Muchumarri lifts already convey Andhra Pradesh’s share from Srisailam, limiting gains from the proposed lift.