Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed irrigation officials to strictly follow National Dam Safety Authority guidelines on the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages, warning against storing water against recommendations.
Water levels in major irrigation projects across Karimnagar district have dropped alarmingly, raising fears of shortages for both cultivation and drinking water. With borewells drying up and reservoirs holding far below capacity, residents are increasingly reliant on tankers.
The district administration has proposed converting Yellampalli Irrigation Project, Gandhari Khilla and Gudem Gutta temple into wedding destinations. The initiative aims to boost tourism, create local livelihoods and generate revenue, with plans for infrastructure, hospitality and eco-friendly facilities.
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is unlikely to deliver irrigation benefits before 2027, as rehabilitation of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages faces delays. Farmers in Karimnagar and Warangal are protesting after six crop seasons have been skipped, with 2,350 TMC of Godavari flows wasted.
In a significant move to support paddy cultivation, irrigation officials in Peddapalli lifted 0.15 TMC of water from the Yellampalli reservoir using motors at Nandi Medaram and Gayatri pump houses.
"It is shameful that the Congress government has pushed its employees to such extremes. The Chief Minister, who is causing emotional distress to the employees, should apologise immediately," said KTR
