Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday announced that the Telangana government is considering reviving water user associations (WUAs) for the maintenance of irrigation tanks and canals. The plan will begin with minor irrigation structures and gradually extend to larger systems.
The decision follows Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s directive and was discussed at a review meeting chaired by the Minister. WUAs are expected to be formed after local body elections. Each association will be backed by Laskar staff, and an Irrigation Department officer will serve as its convenor.
“The recent monsoon exposed several maintenance gaps,” Uttam said. “WUAs will ensure accountability and help prevent breaches through regular upkeep.”
Telangana water user associations to manage minor tanks
The move follows a representation from the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission. The commission reported worsening conditions of minor irrigation tanks and losses from breaches during rains. It urged the government to form WUAs with adequate manpower and resources.
Officials noted that WUAs became inactive after the state abolished water cess in 2018–19. The proposed system will revive them with full administrative support and staff assistance.
Uttam said the goal is to give farmers a direct role in managing irrigation infrastructure. He added that the associations will act as first responders for repair and maintenance during the monsoon.
The Minister also pointed to existing legal backing under the Telangana Water Resources Development Corporation Act, 1997. The Act assigns WUAs a formal role in managing canals and water distribution. The new plan will align with these provisions.
Almatti dam case, Tummidihatti DPR also reviewed
Uttam instructed officials to strengthen Telangana’s legal argument in the Supreme Court against Karnataka’s plan to raise the height of the Almatti dam. He asserted that Telangana will protect its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari waters.
He also directed the department to expedite the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita Chevella Sujala Sravanthi (BRAPCSS) project at Tummidihatti. He confirmed that Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel works will resume once the cabinet clears the proposal.
Additional irrigation files — including Khammam land matters, Chinna Kaleshwaram, and revised estimates for Kalwakurthy and Devadula Package-6 — will also be placed before the cabinet soon.
“The Congress government is improving irrigation systems both technically and legally,” Uttam said. “WUAs will restore local responsibility while protecting Telangana’s irrigation assets.”
