Hyderabad: Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday ordered sweeping reforms for the strengthening and modernisation of the Central Design Organisation (CDO) in Telangana’s Irrigation Department. He directed immediate recruitment of top engineering talent, procurement of advanced technology, and strict project timelines to restore the agency’s reputation.
Chairing a review at Dr BR Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the CDO, once known for designing landmark projects such as Nizam Sagar, had lost credibility following adverse remarks from the National Dam Safety Authority and the Judicial Commission. “We cannot allow this institution’s standing to erode,” he said, calling for urgent staffing and equipment upgrades.
He instructed that all vacancies be filled with highly qualified irrigation engineers, including recent recruits from IITs and NITs. The Minister ordered the purchase of state-of-the-art design software, modern facilities, and the engagement of expert consultants, including retired officers with proven expertise.
Highlighting the growing role of electromechanical engineering in irrigation works, he stressed that such design tasks must be assigned only to specialists. Outsourced work to agencies like IIT Hyderabad, JNTU and TS GENCO should follow strict methods, procedures, and delivery deadlines.
The Minister heard CDO engineers’ concerns over staffing gaps, slow procurement, and lack of specialised training, instructing the Chief Engineer to act immediately. Pending design issues for projects such as Nellikallu and Dindi were reviewed, with orders for prompt solutions.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Congress government aimed to restore the CDO as a national leader in irrigation design, combining skilled manpower, modern tools, and accountability to deliver precision engineering for farmers.
