Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Gandra threatens intensified agitation over Chalivagu water crisis
Farmers in Jayashankar Bhupalpally need water for their crops.
They planted their plants about 45 days ago, but the fields are not getting enough water.
There is a big water project called Chalivagu nearby.
The farmers want officials to open the gates and let the water flow.
A former leader named Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy is helping them ask for water.
He says only some of the pumps are working right now.
He wants all nine pumps to run so more water can reach the fields.
He is worried the crops could be badly hurt without more water soon.
The farmers say they will protest even harder if water does not come within 24 hours.
They hope the government will listen and help save their crops.
Former MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy demanded immediate release of water from the Chalivagu project to protect crops in the ayacut area.
Farmers held a dharna and road blockade at Chennapur X Road in Regonda mandal, supported by BRS leaders and workers.
Gandra said farmers had been asking for 15–20 days to lift the sluice gates, with crops planted about 45 days ago still not receiving adequate water.
He claimed only five or six of Chalivagu's nine pumps were working and demanded all nine run at full capacity.
Gandra threatened intensified agitation and said farmers would stop MLAs from entering villages if water was not released within 24 hours.
Running all nine pumps could pump about 6 TMC per month and nearly 36 TMC over six months, easing crop and drinking-water concerns.
- Who
- Former MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy, farmers, and BRS leaders and workers
- What
- Dharna, road blockade, and demands for immediate release of water from the Chalivagu project and full operation of its nine pumps
- When
- Tuesday, after 15–20 days of unmet requests, with a 24-hour deadline for water release
- Where
- Chennapur X Road in Regonda mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally; Chalivagu project at Jogampalli village in Shayampet mandal
- Why
- Crops planted about 45 days ago are at a critical stage, and inadequate irrigation water risks severe crop losses
Farmers and BRS leaders
Government and officials
Chalivagu pump operation
Farmers and BRS leaders
All nine pumps should run at full capacity to pump about 6 TMC of water per month and protect crops at a critical stage.
Government and officials
Only five or six pumps are functioning, with officials citing repairs and power-related issues as the reason.
Water release timeline
Farmers and BRS leaders
Water must be released within 24 hours because further delay could result in severe crop losses.
Government and officials
No action was taken on the release despite 15–20 days of requests from farmers, according to the article.
- Key figure
- Former MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy (BRS)
- Demand
- Immediate water release from Chalivagu; operate all nine pumps at full capacity
- Protest
- Dharna and road blockade at Chennapur X Road, Regonda mandal
- Pumps operational
- Only 5–6 of 9 pumps, per Gandra, citing repairs and power issues
- Water projection
- ~6 TMC per month; ~36 TMC over six months at full capacity
- Crops
- Planted ~45 days ago, at a critical stage
- Pending requests
- 15–20 days without action
- Deadline
- Water release demanded within 24 hours