AP Congress demands white paper on Pattiseema project

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today demanded from the state government to issue a white paper on the Pattiseema irrigation project, stating that it is people's right to know the project details.
"Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu always speaks on transparency in administration but failed to tell public the process of allocation of contracts for the Pattiseema project," APCC chairperson Kolanukonda Shivaji told PTI.
Under the project, the linkage of Godavari water with Krishna basin is being made possible by the Pattiseema Lift irrigation scheme on Godavari river at Pattisam village in West Godavari district.
Water from the Godavari river yesterday entered into Pallerlamudi village in Krishna district through the project, which was celebrated by locals and political leaders as well.

Naidu would attend an event on September 15 when the Godavari water from West Godavari district would flow into the Krishna basin in neighbouring in Krishna district.
"People of the state have the right to the expense details of the (Pattiseema) project and the source of the fund. Therefore, we demand from the government to issue a white paper on it," he said.

He also criticised TDP leaders who celebrated the arrival of Godavari water into Krishna yesterday.
"Only 600 cusecs of water was released to the canals though the capacity of the canals is 30,000 cusecs. How a meagre 600 cusecs (water) serves the irrigation needs of Krishna district, which is facing severe water shortage?" he asked.

The Chief minister had though announced at the time of foundation stone laying ceremony for Pattiseema that the project would be completed at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore but so far the government has not revealed details of the expenditure to public, he said.