Reacting to the Telugu Desam (TD) allegations over drawing water from the Somasila project to address the needs of Kadapa district, the minister for information and public relations and touri-sm, Mr Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, justified the move on the plea that it was the duty of the government to supply drinking water to people by shifting surplus water from any project, even while asserting that the government had not taken any decision to take Somasila water to Kadapa. He reminded that the catchment area in Kadapa district was also a major source for the project. Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he said his government had been making use of floodwaters going to the sea, for the needs of various parts of Rayalaseema and Nellore districts. He lambasted TD leaders for ignoring irrigation projects during their regime and misguiding people by raising such issues now. Reacting to a question why they were taking Somasila waters instead of making use of projects located upstream of Kadapa district, the minister said the Tungabhadra project was not even able to supply water to Anantapur town due to silt deposits and meagre water reserves. "In fact, a parallel canal is being planned to the KC canal from the Pothireddypadu head regulator to supply drinking water to Anantapur. Though it is our responsibility to provide water to various projects coming up in Krishnapatnam, we told the industries to set up their own desalination plants for their water needs," Mr Ramnarayana Reddy said, stressing that their priority was to address drinking water and irrigation needs of people. He claimed credit for allocating sizeable funds for the Somasila and Telugu Ganga projects. According to the minister, Rs 220.85 crore was allocated for the Somasila project during the TD's nine year rule whereas the Congress earmarked Rs 377.15 crore after coming to power. In addition, Rs 100 crore works were in progress. With regard to the Telugu Ganga project, the TD had sanctioned Rs 227 crore whereas the Congress government had spent Rs 340 crore over four years besides Rs 150 crore for the current financial year, the minister said. District collector, Mr K. Ramgopal, and irrigation officials were present with the minister.