Chaos at KLIP public hearing

Peddapalli: The public hearing of the proposed construction of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) here was marred by protests with the Congress leaders alleging that it was stage-managed. It may be noted here that Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has been conducting public hearing from August 22, eliciting the opinions of the stakeholders associated with the KLIP.

Chaos prevailed at the meeting, which was organised at a private function hall at Raghavapur near Peddapalli on Wednesday, when a farmer, said to have affiliation with the Congress, stated that the proposed project was of no use and it is likely to cause harm to the environment.

The TRS and the Congress cadres hurled chairs against each other, despite Peddapalli MP Balka Suman, local legislators Dasari Manohar Reddy and Putta Madhu tried to pacify them. The police arrested the protestors, including the former minister and senior Congress leader, D Sridhar Babu.

Later, Peddapalli in-charge Collector S Prabhakar Reddy said they have elicited the opinion from 82 persons of the region and they favoured the construction of KLIP. IDC chairman E Shankar Reddy, MP Balka Suman, MLC Bhanuprasad Rao, MLAs Manohar Reddy and Madhu who spoke on the occasion asserted that the project which draws the surplus waters of the Godavari river would lighten the lives of farmers.

Meanwhile, Karimnagar DCC president K Mrutyunjayam, in a statement, condemned the government for obstructing Congress leaders. He demanded the government to re-conduct the public hearing in a free and fair manner.