CPI(M) seeks withdrawal of proposed Water Regulatory Commission

VIJAYAWADA The Communist Party of India(Marxist) Andhra Pradesh committee has demanded immediate withdrawal of the State government's proposal to establish a Water Regulatory Commission, alleging that it would privatise drinking and irrigation water, impose an additional financial burden on people and adversely affect agriculture. CPI(M) State secretary V.

Srinivasa Rao, in a press release, alleged that the government was planning to introduce the commission immediately after the local body elections, contrary to public opinion. He said the Electricity Regulatory Commission had failed to protect consumers and instead provided cover for successive increases in power tariffs, approval of questionable power purchase agreements and additional true-up charges.

The proposed water regulator would turn drinking and irrigation water into a commercial commodity, allowing private and multinational companies to gain control over rivers and reservoirs, he alleged. Mr.