Telangana Government Unveils Major Irrigation Revival Strategy
The state government of Telangana has launched an ambitious and comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing stalled irrigation projects, restoring reservoir capacity, and securing its rightful share of river waters. This significant move underscores a renewed and dedicated focus on both critical infrastructure development and ensuring long-term water security for the region.
Substantial Financial Allocation for Water Sector
With a substantial allocation of ₹22,600 crore dedicated to the water sector, the government is prioritizing key projects. A major highlight is the revival of the BR Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella project, located in the erstwhile Adilabad district. Concurrently, the administration is accelerating large-scale desilting operations across major reservoirs to significantly improve water storage capacity.
Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka confirmed that preliminary groundwork has already commenced to breathe new life into the Pranahita-Chevella project, with initial works initiated at Tummidihatti near the Maharashtra border. The state will also engage in crucial consultations with the Maharashtra government, as the project involves areas of submergence in the neighbouring region.
Desilting Emerges as a Critical Priority
Desilting has been identified as a paramount priority in this revival plan. Minister Vikramarka pointed out that the previous BRS government failed to undertake timely desiltation works, leading to significant silt accumulation in numerous projects and a consequent reduction in reservoir storage capacity.
"In accordance with the national desiltation guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, and building upon pilot projects already implemented under a revenue-generating model at Kadem, Lower Manair Dam, and Mid-Manair Dam, desilting works have now begun in several key projects," he stated. These include the Sriramsagar project, Priyadarshini Jurala, Musi, and Nagarjunasagar projects, all aimed at restoring lost storage capacity.
Thrust on Completing Pending Lift Irrigation Schemes
Completing a backlog of pending projects forms another major pillar of this strategy. Approximately 20 major and medium irrigation projects across the Krishna and Godavari basins are currently at various stages of completion. This includes several critical lift irrigation schemes such as:
- Palamuru-Rangareddy
- Kalwakurthy
- Nettempadu
- Devadula
"Our government inherited several pending projects from the past. Therefore, we are making concerted efforts to complete all ongoing and pending works to deliver on our water security promises," Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized.
Firm Stand on River Water Rights
Reiterating the state's unwavering position on river water shares, the Finance Minister added, "Our government has fought effectively on every available platform—including the Supreme Court, relevant tribunals, statutory bodies, and with the Government of India—to secure Telangana's rightful and justified share in the waters of the Krishna and Godavari rivers." This statement reinforces the administration's commitment to legal and diplomatic avenues to ensure water justice for the state.
This multi-pronged approach, combining project revival, infrastructure maintenance, and legal advocacy, represents a holistic strategy by the Telangana government to address long-standing water challenges and build a more secure hydrological future for its citizens.
