Will Resist Centralized Development": Warning from Backward Areas Development Forum

 

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At a press conference held at the Vijayawada Press Club, leaders of the Backward Areas Development Forum warned the coalition government against focusing solely on Amaravati at the cost of neglecting backward regions. They cautioned that if the government continues this trend, it will face stiff resistance from the people of these neglected areas.

Key Concerns and Allegations

  Neglect of Irrigation Projects: The forum pointed out that while Rayalaseema projects could be completed with an investment of ₹30,000 crores, the government is instead making "unfeasible" announcements regarding the diversion of Godavari waters to Banakacherla, Nallamala Sagar, and Cauvery to distract the public.

 Amaravati Debt Trap: They alleged that the government is pushing the state into a debt trap by spending ₹1 lakh crore on Amaravati under the guise of land acquisition, while leaders benefit from "land scams."

 Corruption in Anantapur: In Anantapur, India’s second-driest district, they alleged that ₹3,850 crores spent on the Handri-Neeva project resulted in corruption rather than water. They demanded a probe by Vigilance or the ACB into these expenditures.

 Veligonda Reservoir: They criticized the neglect of the Veligonda project, which could provide gravity-based irrigation to 5 lakh acres with an investment of just ₹4,000 crores.

Future Course of Action

The Forum announced a major Backward Areas Conference in Tirupati on January 24th.

 Participants: The meeting will include intellectuals, legal experts, academics, and representatives from all political parties.

  Demands: The core agenda focuses on the equitable distribution of "Water, Funds, and Jobs" (Neellu, Nidhulu, Niyamakaalu) across all regions of the state simultaneously.

Forum Representatives Present: B. Narayana Reddy (State President), Dr. Shyam Prasad (General Secretary), K.V. Ramana (Vice President), and state leaders G. Narayana Reddy and Noor Mohammad.