Telangana: Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme nearing its final approval

The Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme aims to enhance irrigation facilities in the districts of Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Mahabubabad

Hyderabad: The Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme is one step closer to receiving final clearance, with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Central Water Commission set to review and approve the Detailed Project Report (DPR) on February 11. Following TAC approval, the project will be sent to the apex council for final clearance.

The Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme aims to enhance irrigation facilities in the districts of Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Mahabubabad.

---

Despite facing opposition from Andhra Pradesh (AP) over various concerns, including river water-sharing disputes, the project has successfully overcome multiple hurdles. AP had urged the Godavari River Management Board to hold on clearances until water-sharing issues were resolved, but this did not delay the project’s progress.

The project has passed the critical Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), with a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.60, indicating that the project’s benefits significantly outweigh its costs. A substantial portion of the project was completed under the BRS government, with three pump houses now ready for commissioning and the canal system nearing completion.

The Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme covers a total command area of 2,72,921 hectares, which includes 1,33,085 hectares of new ayacut and the stabilization of 1,39,836 hectares. The project has gained momentum with recent approvals accorded by the Godavari Board which reviewed it before forwarding to the CWC.