Uttam calls for detailed plan for Pranahita-Chevella project revival

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to prepare detailed technical plans for revival of the Pranahita-Chevella project and proposed talks with Maharashtra. He also reviewed urgent monsoon-time repair works of Kaleshwaram barrages under NDSA guidance

Hyderabad: As the Congress government intensified efforts to revive the Pranahita-Chevella Lift Irrigation Project, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to prepare detailed plans and technical proposals for discussions with the Maharashtra government over construction of the Tummidihatti barrage.

At a high-level review meeting held with the officials here on Friday, he directed the irrigation department to plan it by minimising submergence in Maharashtra territory and Chaprala wildlife sanctuary. “Telangana will be ready to provide compensation for any affected areas,” Uttam Kumar said.

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The Maharashtra government had previously agreed to a 148-metre height and a balanced approach to construction with lower-cost, gravity-assisted flow where possible.

The Minister emphasised that all future decisions and communications should be backed by comprehensive study, technical merit, and economic viability. He directed officials to prepare complete documentation, alternative alignments, cost-benefit analyses, and geo-technical details, before venturing to inter-State talks.

Parallel restoration of Kaleshwaram barrages

The government was fast-tracking urgent repairs to Kaleshwaram barrages at Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla before the monsoon, under technical guidance from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).

The Minister issued specific instructions on testing protocols, including Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) every 1.5 metres, permeability tests every 3 metres, and deeper drilling even upon hitting rock. A coordination committee has been directed to visit sites immediately and set clear timelines.