Andhra Pradesh elections: Avulapalli reservoir becomes the key poll issue for Punganur candidates

Controversy surrounds Avulapalli reservoir project, impacting MLA Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy's credibility ahead of elections.

The controversy surrounding the Avulapalli reservoir project in Somala mandal appears to have become a thorn in the flesh for incumbent MLA and Minister for Power Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy of Punganur Assembly constituency ahead of elections.

On the one hand, he has been facing the heat from the project-displaced farmers, while on the other, opposition TDP candidate Challa Ramachandra Reddy (Challa Babu) took up a blistering attack campaign accusing him of landing the State in a major controversy with the project marred by shortcomings.

It may be noted that the State government has taken up the project to construct the Avulapalli, Nethiguntapalli, and Mudivedu reservoirs under a single package.

While the Avulapalli reservoir, which has a storage capacity of 2.5 TMC and is expandable to 3.5 TMC, is for irrigation purposes, the other two are meant to supply the region with drinking water.

The acquisition of 1522.29 acres of land for the project is still in progress.

However, construction of the project has been discontinued since May last year, as it became embroiled in a legal wrangle after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped the State with a penalty of ₹100 crore for allegedly failing to adhere to its guidelines and even set aside the Environmental Clearance (EC).

The tribunal observed that the project was executed without getting the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and holding a public hearing.