Date:11/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/09/11/stories/2006091103051500.htm

Back AP CM's appeal to Opposition

Our Bureau

Vizianagaram , Sept. 10

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has appealed to the Opposition parties not to incite those displaced by the proposed irrigation projects in the State and to co-operate with the Government, as it is taking all steps for their proper rehabilitation.

He made the appeal at a function on Sunday at Kesali village in the district, after inaugurating the Peddagedda irrigation project on which Rs 67 crore was spent.

The Chief Minister announced the release of water to 8,500 acres from Peddagedda and also to 13,000 acres from Jhanjhavathi project.

LEFTIST THREAT

The Left parties, taking up the cause of the displaced persons, threatened to disrupt the inaugural function and it had to be conducted amid tight police security.

Several political leaders and workers belonging to the Left parties were arrested while they were on their way to the venue.

The Chief Minister said there was 8.32 lakh acres of cultivable land in Vizianagaram district, of which only 3.5 lakh acres of land was irrigated.

After assuming power two-and-a half-years ago, the Congress Government could provide irrigation to 21,000 acres more.

In the next two years, more than one-lakh acres of land would be provided with irrigation facilities through Thotapalli and other irrigation projects, he said.