Telangana integrating irrigation projects to maximise Godavari water utilisation: Bhatti Vikramarka
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said Telangana is integrating major lift irrigation projects to maximise Godavari water utilisation. He reviewed Sitammasagar and Sitarama works, while Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said restoration of Kaleshwaram barrages was progressing after safety assessments.
Khammam: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka stated that measures were being taken to integrate Sitammasagar, Sitarama and Devadula lift irrigation systems to ensure maximum utilisation of river Godavari waters.
Although there were some lapses in the past in Sitarama project execution, the State government was working to complete the project to benefit farmers. The new Rajiv link canal sanctioned at a cost of Rs 100 crore was completed and connected to the Wyra reservoir.
Julurpadu tunnel meant to move water to Palair reservoir has been sanctioned and Munneru-Palair link canal project has been undertaken. The government has released bills worth Rs 1000 crore for Sitarama project and decided to release Rs 135 crore for land acquisition for the project
Vikramarka along with Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy inspected the works of Sitammasagar Barrage and Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme in Aswapuram mandal in Kothagudem district and Yatalakunta tunnel works at Sathupalli in Khammam district on Thursday.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that the restoration of Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages was going on in accordance with the recommendations of National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and Central Water Commission (CWC).
The barrages would be brought back into operation only after all tests were completed and safety certification was obtained. Technical tests, subsurface investigations and structural safety studies of the barrages were underway.
The Minister stated that the CWC gave approval for the utilisation of 67 TMC of Godavari water required for Sitarama project. The government was making efforts to get clearances from the Centre to complete the project and was effectively presenting its case in the Supreme Court.
The government was taking steps to revive Dr. BR Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi project which was launched by ex-Chief Minister Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Uttam Kumar Reddy added.
