Minor irrigation tanks call for attention post-September deluge

Many minor irrigation tanks have suffered due to year-long neglect, leading to siltation, breaches, and encroachments that significantly reduce their water-holding capacity.

Hyderabad: Despite the major irrigation sources in Telangana being full to the brim due to the 31 per cent excess rainfall received this monsoon, the State’s minor irrigation tanks tell a different story. Over 1,200 minor tanks are in dire need of attention due to neglect and maintenance issues, exacerbated by the recent September deluge.

Many minor irrigation tanks have suffered due to year-long neglect, leading to siltation, breaches, and encroachments that significantly reduce their water-holding capacity. Even with initiatives like Mission Kakatiya, aimed at restoring these tanks, some still require significant repairs and breach plugging to function effectively. While major sources benefit from concentrated rainfall, minor tanks often depend on more localized rain, which can be inconsistent. Encroachments around tank areas further obstruct water flow and reduce storage capacity.

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Impact of September floods

The State experienced severe floods due to incessant rains from August 31 to September 2, with average rainfall ranging from 250 mm to 450mm, particularly affecting the districts of Khammam, Mahabubabad, Mulugu, Suryapet and Kothagudem. The torrential and extremely high rainfall caused extensive damage to the infrastructure managed by the Irrigation and CAD department, particularly minor irrigation tanks.

Many minor irrigation tanks received inflows beyond their designed capacity, causing damage to nearby railway lines, roads and low-level causeways, thereby disturbing normal communication lines. A total of 265 breaches and 282 damages were reported in minor irrigation tanks, in addition to 132 breaches and 83 damages to the canal systems of major and medium projects.
Government response

The State government assessed the flood damage and sought central assistance of Rs.75 crore for temporary restoration and Rs.483 crore for permanent restoration. While the department has initiated measures for rehabilitation of the affected tanks on a warfooting, repairs on major irrigation sources received focused attention. For instance, the repairs on the NSP left canal at Kagita Ramachandrapuram were attended to urgently. However, many of the minor irrigation tanks in Suryapet district are still awaiting funds for necessary repairs.