Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prioritize the completion of major irrigation project works under the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) in the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district. He emphasized that land acquisition is crucial for the project's progress and that the state government is ready to provide necessary funds for both land acquisition and project works.
CM's Directives on Land Acquisition
"It is the responsibility of the district collectors to coordinate with local MLAs and other elected representatives. Collectors must also visit the field to ensure a speedy land acquisition process," the CM said. He stressed that without land acquisition, the project cannot move forward.
Site Visits and Inspections
CM Revanth, along with Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, visited various project sites in Mahabubnagar on Thursday. At Makthal in Karnataka, former irrigation minister BS Boseraju also joined the visit and participated in an aerial inspection. His involvement came in light of the Telangana government's proposal for a barrage across the Bheema and Krishna rivers, downstream of the Narayanapura dam.
The minister reviewed the Makthal–Narayanpet–Kodangal lift irrigation scheme works and proposed additional barrages. Officials presented irrigation project proposals through maps at an exhibition. Later, he visited Gudem Doddi in Gadwal mandal, inspected the pump house (stage-1), and held a review meeting with irrigation officials at Somasila.
Minister's Emphasis on Land Acquisition and R&R
Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that top priority would be given to land acquisition and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) issues in the implementation of the PRLIS. He made it clear that large-scale civil works would be undertaken only after completing land acquisition-related components.
Briefing on the review meeting chaired by the CM on the progress of PRLIS and associated reservoirs, the minister said that significant progress had been achieved in several components. The Narlapur Reservoir has reached 100% completion, while the Yedula Reservoir has crossed 95% completion. Works on the Vattem reservoir banks have been completed, and concrete and embankment works are in progress. Regarding the Karivena Reservoir, most embankment works have been completed, with a portion of concrete works currently underway.
Focus on Trunk Infrastructure
N Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that available resources should be utilized primarily for critical trunk infrastructure that would yield maximum benefits. He directed engineers to prepare realistic work plans linked to clear financial requirements and timelines. He also instructed them to expedite court-related cases and ensure that stay-on-work orders are vacated. Officials were asked to submit advance projections of monthly fund requirements to enable more effective financial planning.
In a clear policy direction, the minister reiterated that officials must prioritize the completion of all land acquisition-related works.
