WARANGAL, NOV. 17. The Major Irrigation Minister, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, has accused political parties and people's organisations of misleading the public over Pulichinthala project.

Speaking to newsmen here today, Mr. Lakshmaiah said the State Government's aim was to achieve a balanced regional development and that the Pulichinthala project would not affect the interests of people of Telangana region. A separate cell had been created to sort out issues of compensation and rehabilitation of affected people.

Referring to the High Court judgment over the project, Mr. Lakshmaiah said the Government would abide by the court's directive. "It is the responsibility of the Government to dispel misconceptions about the project. Hence, we want make clear all the aspects,'' he said.

Limestone mining

Stating that there was no truth in the arguments being put forward by some parties, the Minister said of the 483 acres of land rich with limestone reserves, mining would be complete in 400 acres by the time of completion of the project in 2009. In the remaining 83 acres, efforts would be made to tap natural resource at the earliest.

On the project site, Mr. Lakshmaiah said that of the five locations identified, the present one was found technically feasible as the Government envisaged construction of the dam to 1,290 metres as against 2,980 metres at the alternate site and moreover, the foundation at the present site was strong.

Urging political parties to restrain from instigating people over the issue, the Minister said a separate cell was set up to speed up Central clearance.

"A special rehabilitation officer, a project economist and support staff had been appointed to the statutory committee to oversee the rehabilitation of affected persons and compensation to be paid towards acquisition of 21,176 acres in Guntur and Nalgonda districts,'' Mr. Lakshmaiah explained.

..Hindu