Aruna assures ryots to save standing crops

Hyderabad: Minister for Information and Public Relations (I&PR) D K Aruna on Thursday assured the farmers that, under the Jurala project, standing crops would be saved by all means. Releasing water to the ayacut under both the left and right canals of the project on Thursday, she said that the government would initiate special measures to safeguard the interests of the peasant community. Stating that water would be released for six days, she informed that depending upon the availability of water in the project, a decision would be taken on the issue of continuing the supply for more days. She directed revenue, police and irrigation officials to work in coordination with each other to avoid problems for the farmers. She said that a total of 70-100 cusecs of water would be supplied from the left canal and 30-50 cusecs of water from the right canal. The government will hold discussions with the government of Karnataka to release 2 or 3 cusecs of water from the neighbouring state. "The water would be sufficient for two wetting crops. Jurala dam has enough stocks to meet drinking purposes," stated the Minister. Urging people not to worry over shortage for drinking water, she directed officials concerned to speed up the process of DI pipes installation, intended for drinking water. She inspected the pipes and also directed contractors to expedite the process of erecting the pipes. She said Rs 100 crore was invested for the project. Makthal ex-MLA M L Chittem Ram Mohan Reddy, project engineers Prakash, Khagendar, Radhakrishna, RDO Narayana Reddy, market committee chairman Gaddam Krishna Reddy and Tahsildar Yadagiri were present.