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Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme Faces Renewed Political Controversy

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -scheme-faces-renewed-political-controversy.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 1:34 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locale: Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme: A Legacy of Stalled Progress and Political Point-Scoring

The Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS), a massive project intended to channel water from the Srisailam reservoir to drought-prone regions of Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema area, is once again at the center of political controversy. The current Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime, headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy, of deliberately halting work on the project during their tenure, resulting in significant delays and cost overruns. The current resumption of works is being framed as a corrective measure to salvage a crucial infrastructure initiative vital for agricultural prosperity and rural development.

Understanding the Project & its Significance

The RLIS isn't new; it’s been a long-gestating ambition. The core idea revolves around lifting water from the Srisailam dam, located on the Tungabhadra River (a major tributary of the Krishna), to provide irrigation for districts like Kurnool, Kadapa, and Anantapur – areas chronically affected by drought and dependent on monsoon rains. The project comprises multiple components including reservoirs, canals, and crucially, a series of lift irrigation pumps capable of raising water substantial vertical distances. The overall objective is to irrigate over 2.8 million acres of land and provide drinking water to several towns and villages in the region.

Allegations of Deliberate Stoppage Under YSRCP

According to the current TDP government's claims, work on the RLIS effectively ground to a halt between 2019 and 2023 under the YSRCP rule. The accusation isn’t simply about delays; it alleges that the previous administration intentionally stalled progress for political reasons. The state government asserts that contracts were cancelled, tenders weren't awarded, and existing works were left incomplete, leading to a cascading effect of problems. This resulted in not only increased costs but also immense hardship for farmers who continued to face water scarcity.

Specifically, the TDP points to delays in completing crucial components like the Galeru-Hattirajah canal, the BNSR Sub-Branch Canal and other vital parts of the network. The government claims that these delays caused a significant increase in project costs – estimated at hundreds of crores of rupees – due to inflation and contract renegotiations. The YSRCP’s alleged reluctance to address issues related to land acquisition further exacerbated the situation, adding another layer of complexity to the already troubled project.

YSRCP's Counter-Narrative & Underlying Issues

The YSRCP has vehemently denied these accusations. They claim that the delays were due to unforeseen technical challenges, environmental clearances pending, and concerns raised about the quality of work done during the previous TDP regime. They argue that they paused certain works to conduct thorough reviews and ensure adherence to regulations and proper engineering practices. Furthermore, the YSRCP has accused the TDP of exaggerating the extent of the delays for political gain, aiming to deflect criticism from their own earlier handling of the project.

The reality is likely more nuanced than either party's public statements suggest. While the YSRCP’s actions certainly contributed to the slowdown, underlying issues existed long before 2019. The RLIS has been plagued by controversies since its inception. Concerns about environmental impact, particularly on the Tungabhadra River ecosystem and downstream areas in Karnataka (which shares the river basin), have consistently surfaced. Karnataka has repeatedly voiced objections to the project's design and implementation, fearing that excessive water diversion would negatively affect their own irrigation needs and agricultural output. These interstate disputes add another layer of complexity to the RLIS saga. [You can read more about these inter-state disputes here: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/Apr/15/karnataka-objects-to-andhra-pradeshs-lift-irrigation-scheme-2607498.html]

Current Status and Future Outlook

The current TDP government has prioritized the resumption of RLIS works, allocating significant resources to expedite completion. They are emphasizing a "mission mode" approach, with regular monitoring and public updates on progress. However, challenges remain. The cost overruns are substantial, and regaining lost ground will require considerable effort and financial investment.

The project's future also hinges on resolving the ongoing disputes with Karnataka. While Andhra Pradesh has attempted to address Karnataka’s concerns through modifications to the design and water sharing agreements, a permanent solution remains elusive. [More context about the legal battles can be found here: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/Dec/19/karnataka-supreme-court-hearing-on-lift-irrigation-scheme-decided-for-january-2024-2657981.html]

Political Implications & Conclusion

The Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme has become a potent political tool, with each party leveraging it to attack their opponents and bolster their own image. The accusations of deliberate sabotage highlight the deep partisan divisions in Andhra Pradesh politics. Regardless of the political maneuvering, the ultimate beneficiaries should be the farmers and residents of Rayalaseema who desperately need reliable access to water for agriculture and livelihoods. Whether the current government can successfully navigate the technical, environmental, and interstate challenges to finally deliver on the promise of the RLIS remains to be seen. The project's legacy will likely continue to shape Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape for years to come.

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