Hyderabad: Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday said Telangana would firmly oppose Karnataka’s move to raise the Almatti dam height. He warned that the proposal would harm Telangana’s irrigation rights and increase flood risks.
Speaking in Palakeedu mandal during an inspection of irrigation works, the minister said the case was pending in the Supreme Court. He announced plans to travel to Delhi on Monday to present Telangana’s case.
Uttam Kumar Reddy accused the previous BRS government of compromising Telangana’s interests in Krishna river allocations. He cited an earlier agreement that allotted 512 TMC of Krishna water to Andhra Pradesh and only 299 TMC to Telangana. The Congress government, he said, had rejected this formula and was now contesting it before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
Telangana to defend its Krishna water share in apex court
The minister confirmed that senior advocates would argue against any increase in the Almatti dam height. He said Telangana would resist all moves that could impact its irrigation needs or safety.
He criticised former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for weak water policy and flawed projects. The Congress government, he asserted, would protect Telangana’s rights through legal and political channels.
Addressing the failed Kaleshwaram project, Uttam Kumar Reddy blamed poor planning by the BRS regime. He confirmed ongoing judicial and technical probes. He promised that anyone found responsible would face legal action, regardless of position.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to revive the Pranahita-Chevella project, including the Tummidihatti barrage, to ensure water access for northern Telangana.
During the tour, he reviewed multiple irrigation schemes. The Jawahar Janpahad Lift Irrigation Scheme, scheduled for completion by December 31, will cover 10,000 acres. He also inspected the Mahatma Gandhi Muktyala Branch Canal and Rajiv Gandhi Lift Scheme, which will irrigate 53,000 and 14,000 acres respectively.
In Huzurnagar town, the minister assessed projects including colleges, roads, and 2,120 single-bedroom houses under construction. He noted that ₹40 crore was allocated for an Advanced Technology Centre to train 172 youth annually in EV repair, robotics, and manufacturing skills.
He urged quality construction and better education access for SC, ST, BC, and minority students. Despite receiving no benefit from the Kaleshwaram project, the state had expanded agricultural output, he claimed.
A six-time MLA and former MP, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Huzurnagar would be developed into Telangana’s most advanced constituency. He concluded by reaffirming the Congress government’s commitment to transparency, water justice, and rural progress.
District Collector Tejas Nand Lal Pawar and other senior officials joined the minister during the visit.
