Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday directed officials to implement a scientific and real-time water management plan for the ongoing Kharif season while fast-tracking the long-stalled Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel work.
At a review meeting held at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, Uttam asked the Irrigation Secretary and Engineer-in-Chief to finalise a practical water release strategy factoring in reservoir levels, expected monsoon inflows, and crop requirements. He cited Telangana’s record 281 lakh metric tonnes of paddy production last year as the result of strong coordination between irrigation and agriculture departments, urging similar cooperation this season.
The Minister reviewed conditions across the Krishna and Godavari basins and stressed proactive monitoring of dams, canals, and allied structures. He warned officials to stay alert to flooding and structural risks and maintain close contact with the Disaster Management wing.
On SLBC, Uttam ordered immediate resumption of tunneling operations and directed completion of the remaining 4.8 km stretch using modern survey and geophysical methods. The project, under collaboration with NGRI and GSI, is being supported by advanced LIDAR and electromagnetic technologies. Colonel Parikshit Mehra, an expert in tunnel engineering, has joined the department, with former Army Engineer-in-Chief Gen Harpal Singh set to join as honorary advisor.
The Minister also pushed for urgent desiltation across the state’s reservoirs to restore storage capacity and water flow efficiency. He reviewed progress on sediment clearance in vulnerable zones and demanded timely completion ahead of peak rainfall.
He further instructed eviction of encroachers from irrigation department lands, including WALAMTARI and ERL sites, and announced a statewide recovery campaign in coordination with municipal and police authorities.
On administrative matters, Uttam ordered that all pending promotions from Deputy Engineer to Engineer-in-Chief be finalised within two months.
