Telangana plans long-term desiltation strategy for major reservoirs

The Telangana government has decided to formulate a scientific and long-term desiltation strategy for major irrigation projects. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to study best practices and accelerate ongoing works to improve storage capacity, water security and flood management.

Hyderabad: Even as the monsoon season commenced, the State government has decided to develop a scientific and long-term desiltation strategy for major irrigation projects to restore storage capacity. Officials said the objective was to improve water security and mitigate flood risks as part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening irrigation sustainability, flood moderation and water conservation across the State.

At a review meeting on Wednesday, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to study desiltation models adopted in other States and examine Central government guidelines on reservoir sediment management. He said the focus should be on restoring the original storage capacities of key reservoirs in both the Krishna and Godavari river basins.

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He reviewed the progress of desiltation works at the Kaddam Project, Lower Manair Dam (LMD) and Mid Manair Reservoir (MMR), and asked officials to resolve operational bottlenecks and expedite the works.

Chief Engineers of the Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP) and Nizam Sagar Project were instructed to conduct comprehensive assessments and submit recommendations for restoring lost storage capacity. The government also decided to examine successful desiltation initiatives undertaken in other parts of the country and adapt suitable practices to Telangana’s requirements.