R VidyaSagar Rao, Irrigation Advisor to the Telangana Government, expired today in Hyderabad. He played a key role in redesigning irrigation projects and flagship programme Mission Kakatiya.

The renowned irrigation expert was undergoing treatment for metastatic bladder Cancer at Continental hospital. In April2016, Rao underwent surgery for bladder cancer in United States followed by chemotherapy sessions. His condition deteriorated despite surgery and chemotherapy treatment and consequently was admitted in the hospital where he was in ICU under strict observation.

Rao hailed from Jajireddygudem of Yadadri district. The Osmania University alumnus will be remembered for his contribution to Telangana movement. Rao who was diploma holder from Colorado state university, fought for the sharing of Godvari and Krishna waters. Apart from giving lectures on various issues such as Polavaram, Kanthanapalli, his newspaper writings were compiled as books – Neelu Nijalu I and II. He played a crucial role in designing the report, presented to the Srikrishna Committee. He not only performed duties in various capacities with both central and state governments, but also worked as advisor with the United Nations.

Rao will be remembered for enlightening public about the inequalities in irrigation sector, meted out towards Telangana region in the united state of Andhra Pradesh. The deceased is a close aide to the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao who met the expert in 2002. The CM condoled the demise and asked the Chief Secretary to make arrangements for organising a State funeral.