Khammam: Former Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar blamed Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy for speaking without any understanding of the Kaleshwaram project. Minister Uttam had stated that if water is stored in Kaleshwaram, the Medigadda dam might wash away, putting Bhadrachalam town and 44 villages at risk of flooding.
However, Ajay Kumar clarified that the flood threat to Bhadrachalam is not because of Kaleshwaram, but due to the backwater effect of the Polavaram project being built downstream in Andhra Pradesh. He suggested that Minister Uttam should learn the facts, noting that both the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) have officially recognized this issue.
In a statement released on Monday, Ajay Kumar accused the current Telangana government of spreading false information about Kaleshwaram just to divert public attention from the Polavaram flooding issue.
He explained the technical details, stating that while the riverbed level of the Godavari at Bhadrachalam is around 26 meters deep, the Polavaram backwaters cause the water level to constantly remain high between 13.15 meters and 17.72 meters. This continuous water storage is the real problem for the region. He slammed the government for failing to hold review meetings or take protective measures for the residents, choosing instead to target Kaleshwaram.
According to Ajay Kumar, the Polavaram backwater effect is projected to submerge an area of about 184 square kilometers, impacting 36 villages around Bhadrachalam. He criticized the government’s approach as irresponsible, stating that they are misleading the public on a sensitive matter concerning people’s lives and livelihoods. He concluded by reminding everyone that the previous BRS government had repeatedly raised the Polavaram backwater issue with the Central Government to fight for the rights and safety of the people of Bhadrachalam.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
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