Uttam Kumar Reddy urges swift DPR for Pranahita–Chevella revival via Tummidihatti
Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday asked officials to fast-track the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Pranahita–Chevella project. He emphasized that the plan must prioritise its revival through the Tummidihatti barrage.
At a review held at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, Reddy examined fresh field reports from Tummidihatti and Sundilla. According to engineers, several sections of the old canal alignment are still in good condition. Nearly 45 km of excavation has already been completed, while two major aqueducts are close to 70% completion.
Notably, engineers confirmed that water could reach Sundilla entirely by gravity, with no need for pumping stations. “Up to Sundilla, there is no lift required,” one official noted. This method would significantly cut costs and simplify execution.
To proceed, Reddy directed teams to develop two route options. One would carry water from Mylaram to Yellampalli using a single lift. The other would direct water straight to Sundilla through a gravity-fed alignment. Both involve a mix of tunnels and open canals, yet the gravity route is easier and cheaper to implement.
“We must finalise both plans within this month so a clear decision can follow,” Reddy told officials. He also set a follow-up review for next week to assess alignment and DPR status.
Additionally, he instructed engineers to complete the revised DPR by October-end. The report must include updated hydraulic, environmental, cost, and satellite data.
Minister pushes solar power to cut irrigation costs
In a separate directive, Reddy asked officials to identify irrigation lands suitable for solar power projects. He said internal power generation could significantly reduce energy costs for lift irrigation schemes.
“If we create our own power, we can cut huge costs,” he noted. Departments must submit a complete inventory of irrigation lands by next week. Each parcel should be marked for solar use, future irrigation needs, or monetisation.
Highlighting recurring energy bills, Reddy said the Irrigation Department should set an example by switching to green energy. He added that the initiative aligns with Telangana’s clean-energy goals.
Pending packages and inter-State issues reviewed
The minister also reviewed pending works under Devadula Package-III, Kalwakurthi Package-29, Palamuru–Rangareddy Package-7, and the SLBC tunnel. He directed officials to complete all paperwork with technical notes for Cabinet consideration.
He further reviewed aerial survey progress for the SLBC tunnel alignment and urged teams to fast-track execution.
Addressing inter-State matters, Reddy raised objections to Karnataka’s latest notification, which expands land acquisition and compensation linked to water projects. He instructed officials to challenge the move at the Centre and coordinate with legal teams to safeguard Telangana’s rights—especially concerning the Almatti and Banakacherla projects.
Concluding the meeting, Reddy said the revival of the Pranahita–Chevella project via Tummidihatti is more than just infrastructure. It represents the Congress government’s commitment to irrigate every acre of arable land in Telangana.