KTR Demands Irrigation Water for Jurala Ayacut

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has criticised the police detention and house arrest of party leaders in the erstwhile Palamuru district amid a protest demanding irrigation water for farmers dependent on the Jurala project. Former ministers Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, C. Laxma Reddy and Srinivas Goud, along with former MLAs and other BRS leaders, were among those detained or placed under house arrest, according to reports. KTR alleged that the government was preventing BRS leaders from raising the concerns of farmers whose standing crops are under stress.

KTR claimed that around 9 TMC of water was available in the Jurala project and demanded that it be released for irrigation. He argued that about 2 TMC would be sufficient for drinking-water requirements. Reports said farmers had been demanding irrigation water for several days, while police stopped BRS leaders and farmers from reaching the project and deployed security around the dam. KTR demanded the release of detained BRS leaders and immediate supply of irrigation water to the Jurala ayacut. The claims regarding water availability and the government’s actions were made by KTR and the BRS.