Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, a farmer by background, has reached a significant milestone in his political career. Known for prioritizing irrigation and agriculture regardless of his cabinet portfolio, the Minister on Tuesday inaugurated the Manchukonda Lift Irrigation Scheme in Khammam district. This project marks the 300th lift irrigation scheme established under his leadership, further solidifying his reputation for transforming barren lands into fertile fields across the erstwhile Khammam district.
33 Tanks to be Filled via New Lift Scheme
The new project, completed at a cost of ₹66 crore, is designed to fill 33 tanks in the Raghunadhapalem Mandal, providing irrigation water to 2,400 acres. Currently, the system uses water from the Nagarjuna Sagar project to support local crops. Officials suggest this may be the final lift irrigation project on the Nagarjuna Sagar in this district. In the future, the region is expected to benefit from the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project (Godavari water) and the Buggavagu project, which will eventually allow water to reach these tanks via gravity without the need for pumping.
Manchukonda Will Connect Krishna and Godavari Waters
During the inauguration, Minister Tummala assured farmers that while they are currently using Krishna River water, the Sitarama project will be completed by next year to provide abundant Godavari water. He highlighted the government’s efforts in building warehouses and infrastructure, noting that Telangana is the only state providing a bonus for fine-grain paddy. He also confirmed that there are no shortages of urea, electricity, or irrigation water, and encouraged farmers to shift toward Oil Palm cultivation to help save the foreign exchange currently spent on imports.
TDP Presence Sparks Debate
The event, however, sparked political discussion due to the unexpected appearance of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) flags. Although Tummala is a Minister in the Congress government, some TDP workers displayed their party flags during the rally. This has become a “hot topic” in political circles, drawing comparisons to a recent BRS rally in the same district where YSRCP flags were spotted. The presence of TDP flags at a Congress Minister’s event has led to widespread speculation about shifting political equations in the region.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
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