Non-operation of Kaleshwaram since 2023 causes major crop failures in Telangana

Non-operation of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project since October 2023 has hit Telangana farmers hard, reducing paddy acreage, increasing groundwater dependence and causing losses of over Rs.8,000 crore. Crop failures, low yields and farmer suicides highlight urgent need for revival

Hyderabad: The non-operation of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) since October 2023 has affected agriculture in Telangana over the past four crop seasons. The project, designed to irrigate over 18.5 lakh acres and stabilise irrigation in an equal extent of area under the projects integrated with the KLIP, has led to increased dependence on groundwater and monsoons once again.

It resulted in crop failures in affected districts. In the context of the National Dam Safety Authority clearance, the rehabilitation works were delayed. Farmers across north Telangana districts, including Karimnagar and Warangal, shifted to rain-fed crops in a big way, reducing paddy acreage by 15-20% in command areas. It had a bearing on the overall rice production in the ayacut area.

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The failure to operate the KLIP pump houses, which was considered possible by irrigation experts even without impounding at Medigadda—by lifting water with the running flows reaching the volume of 25,000 to 30,000 cusecs—contributed to the shortfall. The State engineers who advocated the same did not venture to mount pressure on the government, fearing that it may lead to incurring the displeasure of the political bosses.

In the process, the State was rendered poorer by an estimated 5 lakh tonnes of paddy. The worst phase started for the farmers from the second half of Rabi-2023, with dependency on borewells increasing. Groundwater levels fell by 3-5 metres in nine districts, affecting 10 lakh acres. Cotton and maize yields declined by 25%, as per agriculture department reports, leading to income shortfalls of Rs.5,000 crore for farmers, according to irrigation experts.

The structural issues at Medigadda came to light in October 2023. They prevented storage of water in key reservoirs. Paddy cultivation in KLIP command areas decreased by 30%, with 8 lakh acres left fallow in 2024. Total grain output fell short by 7 lakh tonnes, adding to input costs amid rising fertiliser prices, they said. Rabi 2023-24 recorded the highest impacts, with half of the crops in the beneficiary districts under the KLIP withering.

In erstwhile Nalgonda district, paddy cultivated over 4.2 lakh acres withered due to depleted reservoirs linked to KLIP. Paddy and commercial crops suffered 40% yield reduction, resulting in Rs.3,000 crore in losses. Over 300 farmer suicides were reported in these seasons, tied to crop failures and debts, averaging one per day in early 2024. With the KLIP pump houses kept idle, there was an under-utilisation of Godavari water.

Farmers mounted pressure for repairs to multiple projects, including Medigadda and Sundilla. Revival efforts aim to restore operations by 2027. The farmers under the KLIP reservoirs see no end to their travails in the near future.