The Communist Party of India (CPI) has officially called upon the state governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to allocate ₹500 crore for the immediate reconstruction of the Peddavagu medium irrigation project. The infrastructure, which has remained in a state of disrepair since a catastrophic breach during the 2024 floods, is critical for the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the two states.
A Vital Resource Left in Ruin
In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Ministers of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, CPI State Secretary G. Eswaraiah highlighted the deteriorating condition of the 1977-built dam. For decades, the Peddavagu project served as a lifeline for the region, providing essential irrigation to approximately 23,000 acres of agricultural land and securing the water supply for nearly 30 surrounding villages.
Following the major breach caused by heavy flooding last year, the project has been left largely non-functional. Eswaraiah noted that while the water crisis deepens for local communities, the lack of swift governmental intervention has rendered the reservoir unusable, stalling agricultural output and leaving residents in a state of economic uncertainty.
Inter-State Cooperation Required
The Peddavagu project is unique in its geographic and administrative positioning, necessitating a coordinated effort between the two neighboring states. The CPI has urged the leadership in Amaravati and Hyderabad to set aside bureaucratic hurdles and co-finance the restoration project to ensure its long-term stability.
Agricultural and Economic Impact
The continued neglect of the project has led to significant distress among the farming community. Without the 23,000-acre irrigation capacity, crop yields have plummeted, and local water security is under threat. The proposed ₹500 crore investment is viewed as a necessary expenditure to stabilize the local economy and modernize the aging infrastructure that was originally commissioned in the late 1970s.
As water scarcity remains a pressing issue in the region, the restoration of Peddavagu is no longer just a technical requirement but a socio-political necessity for both state governments to address before the next monsoon season begins.
