
Hyderabad: Telangana’s Irrigation Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, announced a substantial allocation of Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 11,000 crore this year to provide irrigation water to 6.5 lakh acres of new ayakat (land). The announcement came during a high-level review meeting held at Erramanzil Jalasoudha, focusing on the construction and progress of key irrigation projects.
Discussions were centered on the Palamoor-Ranga Reddy, Nettempadu, Bhima, Narayanpet-Kodangal projects. Minister Reddy inquired about the contractors’ adherence to timelines and urged them to expedite work in light of the monsoon season.
He declared that the construction of Palamoor-Ranga Reddy, Kodangal, Achampet, Palem Vagu, Mattadi Vagu, SRSP-2, Chinna Kalavagur, Sri Pada, and Lower Penganga projects will be completed by March. Recent reviews of joint district irrigation projects in Mahabubnagar included discussions on lift irrigation schemes like Koilkonda and Kalwakurthy, aiming for 100% project completion.
Minister Reddy also mentioned that the Finance Department will be requested to allocate Rs 28,000 crore under the interim budget. This includes Rs 18,000 crore for interest on previous loans, Rs 2,000 crore for salaries and pensions, and Rs 8,000 crore for new projects. The irrigation department is focused on providing water to more ayakat at a reduced cost.
Additionally, transfers and promotions within the irrigation department are planned soon. A delegation, including advisors, chief secretaries, and members of the expert committee, will visit Delhi on July 20 to meet the chairman of the National Dam Safety Authority. They will discuss actions taken on Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, pending issues, and anicut safety in view of the northeast monsoon rains.