Andhra Pradesh minister asks officials to prepare for election to water users' association

VIJAYAWADA: Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has asked officials to prepare for the elections to the water users’ associations. He stated that the elections should be completed within 40 days after the release of the notification.
Ramanaidu reviewed the arrangements for the elections with senior officials, including Special Chief Secretary G.Sai Prasad, Engineer-in-Chief M. Venkateswara Rao, and Cada Managing Director Rama Sundara Reddy, on Wednesday.
The minister instructed officials to make arrangements so that the entire election process is completed by November. He mentioned that he would conduct a video conference with the district collectors and superintending engineers of the water resources department regarding this issue.
“The officials should prepare the elector lists on a war footing,” Ramanaidu said. He emphasized that the elected bodies of the water users’ associations will manage all water bodies, including canals, and take appropriate measures to protect them.
He noted that the presence of water users’ associations is crucial for managing projects and reservoirs. Ramanaidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for completely neglecting the irrigation sector, leaving projects in a chaotic state. He added that they have started streamlining the administration in the department by launching works on pending projects.
“YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is chiefly responsible for the erratic status of irrigation projects in the state. He has let down the farmers by not completing a single project and has not released funds for the maintenance of the projects,” Ramanaidu said.