Telangana Irrigation Minister Calls for Summer Construction Blitz on Key Projects
In a significant push to advance irrigation infrastructure, Telangana's Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to maximize the summer construction window from February to June. The minister emphasized the critical need to fast-track ongoing projects and complete them before the onset of the monsoon season, which typically hampers construction activities.
24-Hour Operations and War-Footing Land Acquisition
During a review of irrigation works in Nalgonda district at Mellacheruvu on Wednesday, Minister Reddy stressed the implementation of 24-hour operations at key project sites. This measure aims to ensure rapid progress while maintaining stringent quality standards. He specifically highlighted the importance of prioritizing work during the dry season, as monsoon-related challenges—including backwater effects from the Krishna river at Pulichintala—can render construction difficult or impossible later in the year.
The minister also mandated that the land acquisition process for these projects be completed on a war footing, streamlining bureaucratic hurdles to avoid delays. To maintain momentum, he announced that review meetings on project progress would be held every 10 days in the erstwhile Nalgonda district, with district collectors actively involved. Reddy further called for issues to be reported directly to him to facilitate swift resolutions.
Historic Achievements and Future Priorities
Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed satisfaction with the irrigation sector's performance under the Congress government, noting historic highs in irrigated areas, water utilization, paddy cultivation, and procurement over the past two years. He attributed these successes to favorable rainfall in the catchment area, which has kept the Nagarjuna Sagar dam brimming annually since he assumed office as irrigation minister.
Looking ahead, the minister outlined key priorities:
- Extending irrigation support to every acre of the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal ayacut, with tail-end ayacut areas receiving top priority.
- Regulating water release through the 'Warabandi' system to ensure coverage even in tail-end ayacut regions.
- Reviewing critical projects like the Mutyala Branch canal lift irrigation scheme, designed to irrigate 53,000 acres.
This comprehensive strategy underscores the government's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and water management in Telangana, leveraging the summer months for construction efficiency and long-term irrigation benefits.
