Telangana: Delays loom for Sitarama Project’s distributary system amid administrative hurdles

The project is now expected to extend well beyond its deadline, with estimates indicating that it may stretch beyond March 2026 for completion

Hyderabad: The implementation of works on the Sitarama Project’s distributary system will be facing significant delays, as administrative approvals and clearances remain pending. Originally scheduled for completion by August 2024, the project is now expected to extend well beyond its deadline, with estimates indicating that it may stretch beyond March 2026 for completion.

The delays have been attributed to prolonged processes in obtaining administrative sanction for the project’s latest proposals. The Chief Engineer (CE) had submitted estimates for approval back in October, following mounting pressure from elected representatives in the three beneficiary districts of Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mahabubabad.

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However, the Engineer-in-Chief (ENC-general), after scrutinizing the proposals, rejected them on the grounds that they lacked detailed estimates, drawings and designs. The ENC took this cautious approach based on past experiences, where the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and other investigative agencies had criticized the State authorities for bypassing detailed project assessments on similar undertakings.

In normal circumstances, the Detailed Project Report (DPR)—which includes updated costs, designs, and all necessary clearances—must be submitted for approval. The State Commissionerate of Tenders is responsible for reviewing the DPR, while the Advisory Committee acts as a single-window clearance body. The project can only move forward once this committee grants its clearance.

Additionally, the State Finance Department must provide concurrence for the final costs before issuing administrative and financial sanctions. These multi-layered clearance processes have been the main reasons for the delays. The tenders for the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme, which were called without the necessary administrative approvals, were valued at over Rs.1,074 crore.

The tension between the Irrigation Department and elected representatives has also caused a rift.