Koppula Eshwar Demands Irrigation Water, Uninterrupted Power for Farmers

Former Telangana minister Koppula Eshwar has demanded uninterrupted electricity and timely irrigation water for farmers, alleging that frequent power cuts, delayed repairs and the non-release of canal water were damaging standing crops. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) staged a protest and siege at the electricity substation in Elegaledu mandal headquarters of Peddapalli district, with farmers joining the demonstration.

Addressing the protesters, Eshwar expressed concern over the difficulties faced by farmers due to power supply disruptions and irrigation shortages. He recalled that the previous BRS government had provided 24-hour free electricity for agriculture for 10 years and accused the present Congress government of failing to protect farmers’ interests.

Questioning the reliability of the electricity supply, Eshwar said officials claimed that power was being provided from 6 am to 6 pm, but the supply was interrupted twice even during the protest. He alleged that frequent tripping was affecting borewell-based cultivation and causing crops to dry up. Delays in repairing burnt-out motors and damaged transformers were further aggravating farmers’ problems, he added.

The former minister also expressed concern over the failure to release water into the Sriram Sagar Project (SRSP) and DIT canals, saying farmers dependent on these irrigation sources were facing difficulties.

Eshwar demanded that the government ensure an uninterrupted power supply for agricultural operations and release water into SRSP canals within a week. He also called for the immediate repair of damaged motors and transformers, timely crediting of Rythu Bharosa assistance to farmers’ bank accounts and measures to resolve the shortage of urea.

He further urged the authorities to remove delays in crop procurement and payments, inspect dried-up fields and provide adequate compensation to farmers who had suffered crop losses.

Eshwar appealed to the government and concerned departments to respond immediately and resolve the issues. He warned that the BRS would intensify its agitation on behalf of farmers if their demands were not addressed.