Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday said the Congress-led government is focused on completing major irrigation projects on time. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and technical accuracy.
After a review meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat, the Minister confirmed that the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel will be completed by December 2027. He also said the state will restore the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages in line with National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) recommendations.
SLBC and Kaleshwaram projects progress reviewed
Uttam said the SLBC tunnel project undergoes fortnightly reviews. The aerial magnetic survey by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) will begin soon after the DGCA gives its approval. “The SLBC is vital for southern Telangana. It will bring Krishna water to thousands of acres,” he said.
For the Kaleshwaram barrages, the state will partner with a top IIT and the Chief Design Organisation (CDO) to lead repairs. Pre-monsoon tests are done, and post-monsoon checks will follow. “We’ll finalise the full restoration plan within a year,” he said.
Tummadihatti canal route decision by October 22
The Minister said the government will choose a final canal alignment for the Tummadihatti component of the Pranahita–Chevella project by October 22. Two options are under review: a gravity canal with a tunnel from Mylaram to Sundilla, or a Yellampalli diversion with a pump station. He asked officials to submit a comparison report with cost and technical details within two weeks.
Krishna water tribunal and pending projects
Uttam reviewed the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II case. Senior advocate Vaidyanathan has presented Telangana’s arguments, while Andhra Pradesh has begun its response. He directed teams to keep detailed notes and stay in touch with Delhi-based lawyers.
He said the Centre is reviewing water clearance for the Sammakka–Sarakka project. Several investment proposals—including Seethamma Sagar, Modikuntavagu, Chanaka–Korata distributories, and Chinna Kaleshwaram are under final review in Delhi.
Devadula, Dindi, and desiltation policy
The Devadula project remains a top priority, the Minister said. The government has released ₹33 crore for land acquisition and cleared revised cost estimates. “Work is progressing well. We expect full-scale operation within this term,” he added.
For the Dindi project, officials must submit a status report in three days. The next round of work will begin soon after.
Uttam also discussed a new policy to remove silt from irrigation reservoirs. The plan aims to improve storage without extra burden on public funds.
He called for immediate upgrades to the Inter-State Water Resources wing and CDO. These include new hires, modern software, and continuous monitoring of reservoir levels using telemetry until the end of the season.
