Farmers and Congress party activists led by former Government Whip in Assembly Eravatri Anil staged rasta roko at Pochampad Chowrasta on National Highway-44 in Mendora mandal on Wednesday demanding the immediate release of water from Sri Ram Sagar Project for ayacut through the Kakatiya Canal.
Movement of vehicular traffic was badly affected following the farmers’ agitation. Vehicles got stranded on either side of the national highway upto 5 kilometers. Police had a tough time clearing the traffic jam and also prevailing upon the agitating farmers to withdraw the agitation, which lasted a couple of hours.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anil said despite the farmers agitating for the release of water for past several days, as the paddy seedlings were drying, the Government remained silent.
If it fails to take a decision, farmers would intensify the struggle, he said. He said if Mission Bhagiratha Chairman and MLA V. Prashanth Reddy had sincerity he should resign and fight on behalf of farmers.
Criticising MP K. Kavitha he said farmers need water and not the hollow promises. When he spoke to Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi from the spot the latter reportedly said he would inform the Government’s decision on the demand within half an hour.