Uncertain Rabi season under key projects amidst water allocation challenges in Telangana

The State government has planned the allocation of 350 TMC of water for the season, but no water is expected from the three barrages of Kaleshwaram.

Hyderabad: Despite plans for a normal Rabi season with major projects filled to capacity, the command of key reservoirs, particularly the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), may find no mention in the irrigation schedule this season. The State government has planned the allocation of 350 TMC of water for the season, but no water is expected from the three barrages of Kaleshwaram.

The only reliable source of water for the season appears to be the Sripada Yellampalli project in the upstream. Water pumping from this project can support irrigation for approximately 50,000 to 60,000 acres under Annapurna, Ranganayakasagar, Mallannasagar, and several other reservoirs connected to KLIS, which are anticipated to miss out on support.

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Planned irrigation support

The Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme is expected to give water to about 2 lakh acres with support from the Srisailam backwaters. However, its potential to support Rabi irrigation largely depends on the volume of drawls to be made by Andhra Pradesh for its irrigation and drinking water needs beyond the Krishna basin.

SRSP Stage II is expected to face difficulties in providing Rabi irrigation support in the absence of supplementation from KLIS while Peddavagu Project will not be able to support any Rabi irrigation as it currently holds no water. Under almost all the projects in the Krishna basin, a normal Rabi is expected.