Telangana Government Revives Gouravelli Irrigation Project with Renewed Focus
In a significant move to boost agricultural infrastructure, the Telangana government has placed the long-delayed Gouravelli irrigation project back on its priority list. The state is now actively working to overcome legal and environmental obstacles while accelerating land acquisition processes to revive stalled construction works.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Expresses Confidence in Timely Progress
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, speaking on Monday, expressed optimism that environmental clearance for the Gouravelli project would be secured in the near future. He emphasized that land acquisition would be completed in a strict, time-bound manner to ensure the project moves forward without further delays.
The minister assured fair compensation and prompt payments to farmers whose land is being acquired, stating that the entire process would be put on a fast track to meet critical deadlines.
Project Details and Enhanced Capacity
The Gouravelli reservoir, an integral component of the Indiramma flood flow canal project located in Siddipet district, was initially designed with a storage capacity of 1.41 tmc (thousand million cubic feet) to irrigate approximately 1.06 lakh acres of agricultural land. This capacity has since been enhanced to 8.23 tmc, significantly expanding its potential impact on regional farming and water management.
Government Directives and Legal Preparations
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has issued clear instructions to district collectors in Karimnagar, Jangaon, and Siddipet to prioritize land acquisition issues and ensure timely progress on the ground. He stressed the importance of addressing ongoing litigation proactively.
In preparation for an upcoming Supreme Court hearing scheduled in two days, the minister urged the advocate general to develop robust legal strategies. He expressed confidence that the state would successfully navigate these legal hurdles, paving the way for project resumption.
Deadline-Driven Approach to Overcome Years of Stagnation
Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted that the Gouravelli project has remained stalled for years due to multiple unresolved issues. He reiterated the government's commitment to meeting the June 2 deadline set by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for completing land acquisition for key irrigation works, including Gouravelli and Devadula.
This deadline-driven approach underscores the administration's determination to transform long-standing plans into actionable outcomes, benefiting farmers and enhancing water security across the region.
