Adopt lakes, Harish exhorts NRIs

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao today exhorted Telangana NRIs to fund lakes restoration project in Telangana State by adopting them.

The minister addressed an open letter to the NRIs of the region. Stating that the lakes restoration project would help the farmers and towns get adequate irrigation waters to reap in better benefits and prevention of migration. Expressing gratitude to three NRIs for coming forward to adopt the lakes and ponds, he recalled that the former played a pivotal role in Telangana Movement by exposing the issue to all other nations. “Now, as Telangana has achieved Statehood, we have to focus on rebuilding it into a golden one with active participation of the NRIs, farmers, government and people, he said.


The NRIs either as persons or in groups can take up the lakes restoration works in the State and help prevent migration of farmers and poor, he said. As many as 46,000 lakes and water bodies will be restored, including 9,000 ponds every year, he said. The government will involve farmers and people in the ambitious project of lakes restoration, he said. It is time for the NRIs to focus on the development of their motherland through active participation and funds.

With inspiration of Kakatiya rulers, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao began the Mission Kakatiya project to provide safe drinking water to the people in each household in nine districts. Harish said the government is ready to name the lakes after those NRIs. A tele conference will be held with the Telangana NRIs in January.