YSR plan will save Krishna

Vijayawada
Oct. 8: Modernisation of the Krishna delta alone will provide a lasting solution to the perennial flooding of Krishna district, said irrigation experts.
Implementation of the long-pending modernisation scheme was one of the cherished dreams of the late Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
The Krishna Delta modernisation was planned in 1973 itself but successive governments ignored the plan, which was then estimated to cost Rs 98 crore.
Though the plan was put in cold storage during the last three decades, Dr Reddy took it on priority basis as part of Jalayagnam.
He dreamt of modernising the entire Krishna Delta at an estimated cost of Rs 4,576 crore since it would ensure water to 13 lakh acres in Guntur, Krishna and Prakasam districts.
YSR opposed taking up repairs on canals and strengthening of embankments as that would not provide relief to farmers and waste money. At his behest, a comprehensive plan was approved but fund crunch delayed its implementation. Ironically, the delay in strengthening the bunds and flood banks is being cited as the reason for inundation of lakhs of acres in the recent floods.
The All India Kisan Sabha vice-president, Mr K. Nageswara Rao, said: “We have been requesting the Planning Commission also to consider the proposal and release funds. If the canals and embankments are strengthened, the district need not worry about heavy flooding.”
Politicians have also said implementation of YSR’s proposal is the only solution to save the delta. “The World Bank provides funding only when other states submit similar proposals. With no initiatives coming from other states for canal modernisation, the state is unable get the funds,” said Mr M. Buddha Prasad, former Congress minister.

Source::DC