CPI(M) opposes water regulatory commission proposal

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposal by the Andhra Pradesh state government to establish a Water Regulatory Commission. According to a report by The Hindu, the party alleges that this commission will lead to the privatisation of drinking and irrigation water, which will impose an additional financial burden on the people and have a negative impact on the agricultural sector.

CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivas Rao stated in a press release that the government is planning to bring this commission only after the local body elections, which is against public opinion. Referring to the Electricity Regulatory Commission, he said that it has failed to protect consumers and instead provided protection for increasing electricity tariffs, approving suspicious power purchase agreements, and levying additional true-up charges.

Srinivas Rao further alleged that the proposed water regulator will turn drinking and irrigation water into a commercial commodity, giving private and multinational companies the opportunity to gain control over rivers and reservoirs. He stated that the World Bank and the Central Government have been pressuring Andhra Pradesh for many years to bring reforms in the water sector, but successive governments have hesitated due to strong opposition from farmers.

The G.O. 160 issued by the state government during the period of local body elections was also criticised. This order proposed installing meters for rural drinking water schemes and collecting user charges based on consumption. It was also alleged that after the order faced criticism, it was removed from the government website.

The CPI(M) leader appealed to the people to oppose this proposed commission. He demanded that amidst concerns of drought, frequent cyclones, and rising prices of essential commodities, the government should instead provide relief.