In a concerted push to accelerate pending irrigation projects in the erstwhile Khammam district, the Telangana government has decided to prioritize environmental clearances for the Sitarama Sagar Lift Irrigation Scheme and address the Polavaram backwater issue with the Centre. A plan to tour all irrigation projects by ministers was also finalized.
Review Meeting Led by Ministers
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Tummala Nageshwara Rao, and District In-charge Minister Vakiti Srihari, reviewed the status of pending irrigation projects in Khammam district. The meeting underscored the urgent need to resolve issues related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R), forest clearances, environmental clearances, and court cases on a priority basis.
Focus on Sitarama Project
Regarding the Sitarama project, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed the importance of expediting all pending environmental clearances. Officials informed him that the project has already secured Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) clearance, also known as Techno-Economic Clearance, from the Central Water Commission (CWC). The ministers also reviewed court-related matters and directed officials to closely monitor cases pending before the Supreme Court and other courts.
The minister emphasized that diverting Godavari waters from the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project to the Paleru Balancing Reservoir through the NSP Left Canal system should be accorded top priority. The strategically designed Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP) lifts Godavari waters from the Dummugudem Anicut and integrates them with the NSP Left Canal system, thereby stabilizing and augmenting irrigation in the existing ayacut, particularly in tail-end and water-scarce areas.
Forest Clearances and Land Acquisition
Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to secure all required forest clearances by the end of July and ensure that contractors do not cite land-related issues as reasons for delays. He also instructed them to expedite land acquisition for the Munneru–Paleru Link Canal. Officials reported that the proposed 9-km gravity canal requires acquisition of about 317 acres across four villages.
Proposal for Bayyaram Tribal Areas
Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy suggested lifting water from the Sitarama Lift Package-I to the Bayyaram upland tribal areas in the Yellandu Assembly constituency. He directed officials to prepare a practical and cost-effective proposal covering the source point, minimum lift requirement, utilization of local streams, financial implications, and expected ayacut benefits.
Polavaram Backwater Issue
Addressing the submergence in Bhadrachalam division due to the Polavaram project backwaters, the ministers assured public representatives that the matter would be taken up shortly with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA). A dedicated review meeting will be convened to find solutions. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka assured full support and timely release of funds for the speedy completion of irrigation projects in the district.
