Telangana flood damage: Rs 558 crore sought for irrigation infrastructure

The Irrigation Department has estimated that a total of Rs 558 crore would be required for repairs and rehabilitation efforts

Hyderabad: The recent flash floods that struck Telangana wreaked havoc on the State’s irrigation infrastructure, causing extensive damage to tanks and canal systems. The Irrigation Department has estimated that a total of Rs 558 crore would be required for repairs and rehabilitation efforts. Temporary repairs alone are projected to cost Rs 75 crore, while permanent rehabilitation will necessitate an outlay of Rs 483 crore. The department has submitted a detailed report to the government, seeking financial support for the restoration of the affected infrastructure.

The flash floods resulted in breaches at 773 locations across tanks and canal systems. Among these, 285 minor irrigation tanks and the canals of 132 medium irrigation tanks were severely impacted. The districts of Khammam, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Mulugu, and Bhadradri Kothagudem bore the brunt of the damage, with recorded rainfall ranging from 25 cm to 45 cm.The backwaters of the Palair balancing reservoir, part of the NSP left canal system, exacerbated the situation, causing significant destruction. Additionally, the Vattem pump house of the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Project and the Bhakta Ramdas pump house were flooded, resulting in substantial losses.

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The Irrigation Department is now gearing up for the restoration of the tanks and canal systems, emphasizing the urgent need for support from the central government to expedite the rehabilitation process and mitigate further damage.