My credibility greater than a minister’s: MLA Raj Gopal

Munugodu: Local MLA Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy once again raised political heat here stating that although he may not be a minister or Chief Minister, his character, credibility, and capacity are greater than those holding such positions. Expressing dissatisfaction over the alleged lack of financial support for constituency development, he said he was working hard to transform Munugode but was not receiving funds in proportion to his efforts.

Speaking at a constituency level awareness programme on measures to tackle the impact of El Niño, organised by DRDA on Monday, the MLA questioned the government’s priorities.

Describing Munugodu as one of the worst fluoride-affected regions, Reddy said the Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme was the only permanent solution to the constituency’s water problems.

Criticising the previous BRS government, he alleged that thousands of crores were spent on reservoirs without finalising a reliable water source or effectively taking up the project. He said that after the Congress government came to power, discussions with Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka led to a decision to bring water from the Yedula reservoir.

He added that issues concerning reservoir water levels had been resolved and efforts were underway to convince the MLAs and people of Nagarkurnool and Wanaparthy districts to facilitate the project.

Highlighting the importance of water conservation, the MLA revealed that around 300 tanks across Munugodu constituency had been identified and categorised into A, B and C grades. Development plans had been submitted to the government, but funds were yet to be released.

Questioning the allocation of nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore to the Kaleshwaram project while neglecting local water bodies, he urged District Collector B. Chandrashekar to give special attention to Munugode and ensure tank restoration before the next monsoon. Reddy said the El Niño impact had reduced crop yields and urged the Collector to submit a report seeking higher compensation for affected farmers, including tenant farmers.

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Deekonda Ravi Shankar

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