TS feels poll promises not important, pushes ahead water grid

Hyderabad, March 13, 2015: Telangana Government has not been paying much attention to implement its poll promises such as 2-BHK houses for the poor, free three acre land to Dalits and free KG to PG education as it considers them less important compared to Water Grid Project. Though Water Grid Project is not a poll promise, the Government has allotted Rs. 4000 Cr in the annual budget to give it a big start. In contrast, meager funds were allotted to schemes of 2-BHK houses, free KG to PG education and free 3 acre land to Dalits. Allotment of huge funds to Water Grid, estimated to cost Rs. 41, 000 Cr, has fueled criticism that Government was trying siphon off funds in the name of the project as happened in Jalayagnam. That Chief Minister KCR had changed the design for laying the pipelines has given room for more criticism. Originally, KCR proposed that pipelines be laid out from Akkampally reservoir in Nalgonda district to the Water Grid but later changed this and directed officials to lay pipe lines from Sri Sailam reservoir which is far away. When the opposition parties raised a hue and cry over seeking long distance instead of the available short distance for laying pipelines and charged KCR with trying to help the pipe manufacturing companies, the Chief Minister again decided to opt for the original design. Opposition feels that the ambitious water grid project may go the Jalayagnam way if no proper care is taken over the implementation. A scientific study should have been undertaken before deciding on the project, opposition leaders feel.