“From Padayatras to Silence?”—Leaders Question Ruling Party; Massive Protest on April 23
Anantapur: The deteriorating condition of the Tungabhadra High Level Canal (HLC) has sparked sharp criticism from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and AP Rythu Sangham leaders, who have accused the State government of neglecting a crucial irrigation lifeline for farmers.
A CPI team conducted a detailed field inspection from the 105 km distributor point in Bommanahal mandal to the Kanekal tank distributaries. The visit exposed the alarming condition of the canal system, with broken structures, damaged gates, and leaking distributaries leading to massive water wastage.
CPI State Secretariat member Devaragudi Jagadeesh strongly criticised the ruling leadership, recalling that leaders like Kalava Srinivasulu and Payyavula Keshav had earlier taken up padayatras on the same issue while in the opposition. Questioning their silence now, he challenged them to prove their commitment by initiating similar efforts again.
He pointed out that Anantapur district is entitled to receive 32.5 TMC of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir to irrigate nearly 2 lakh acres. However, due to the poor condition of the canal, a significant portion of water is being lost before reaching farmlands. Though about 4,000 cusecs flow at the Karnataka border, only around 2,000 cusecs are effectively utilised, with the rest going waste due to leaks and breaches.
CPI district secretary Palyam Narayanaswamy stated that lack of desilting and maintenance has reduced irrigation coverage to around 70,000 acres, severely affecting tail-end farmers in regions like Tadipatri, Alur, and Guntakal. He also highlighted that the proposed Untakallu reservoir project has not progressed due to lack of funds.
AP Rythu Sangham district secretary Chirutala Mallikarjuna revealed that tenders worth ₹453 crore were invited for HLC modernisation, but the works have not commenced due to non-release of funds. He urged farmers to actively participate in mandal-level meetings and strengthen the movement.
The leaders announced that after conducting farmer awareness meetings across mandals, a massive dharna will be organised in front of the Anantapur Collectorate on April 23 at 10 a.m., calling upon farmers from all regions to participate in large numbers.
Participants, Several CPI and farmers’ organisation leaders took part in the programme, including CPI Rayadurg taluk secretary Nagarjuna, assistant secretary Ghouse, AP Rythu Sangham district vice-president Sarmas, Rayadurg taluk secretary Tippeswamy, AIYF Anantapur district president Kavali Kotresh, AISF district treasurer Anjaneyulu, and leaders Durganna, Obanna, along with many farmers and party workers.