Minister Uttam tells irrigation officials to show visible results across all projects

Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday directed officials to ensure visible results in all projects, noting that the Congress government would complete two years in office this December. He chaired a two-and-a-half-hour review meeting with senior irrigation officials at Jala Soudha, focusing on accelerating works across all major projects.

The minister prioritised the Sammakka Sarakka project and instructed officials to submit a simulation report on ayacut immediately. A Central Water Commission meeting is scheduled in Delhi on September 23 to decide on water allocation and Technical Advisory Committee clearance. Officials were also told to secure a no-objection certificate from the Chhattisgarh Government, which already has the submergence report.

Applications for investment clearances for the Sitarama Sagar, Modikuntavagu, distributory systems of Chanaka–Korata, and the Chinna Kaleshwaram projects must be submitted within a week. Uttam Kumar Reddy said these were necessary before seeking central funds under the PMKSY scheme.

Focus remains on visible results in all projects

Reviewing the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) issues, Uttam Kumar Reddy said he would hold discussions with Supreme Court lawyer C.S. Vaidyanathan before hearings scheduled from September 23 to 25. He added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy might also attend, depending on his availability.

The minister said rehabilitation of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages would proceed strictly according to the National Dam Safety Authority report. He directed officials to engage reputed institutions like IITs for structural testing and finalise action plans as floodwaters recede. “We must act before the next monsoon to ensure safety and usability of these barrages,” he stated.

Reiterating the Congress party’s manifesto commitment, Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to finalise a revised DPR and draft proposal for the Pranahita–Chevella project at Tummidihatti. He also ordered that a schedule be drawn up for discussions with the Maharashtra Government.

The Palamuru–Rangareddy project and other key works Jurala, Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, Bhima, Koilsagar were marked as high priority. He asked the Commissioner (Land Acquisition and R&R) to compile pending issues for land acquisition and forest clearance for these and other projects including Dindi, SLBC, Pendlipakala, and Nakkalagandi.

The Kodangal–Narayanpet project was to receive “first priority” in land acquisition. For the Jurala project, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to expedite the proposal for an alternative bridge to reduce traffic congestion. He also called for a meeting with local MLAs and MPs to finalise action on the project.

Monitoring of package 3 and 6 works under the Devadula project must be intensified, the minister added. A progress report is expected in the next Cabinet meeting.

Telangana eyes revenue through reservoir desiltation

Uttam Kumar Reddy reviewed the national framework on desiltation and desedimentation. Telangana, he said, was the first state to initiate such works, starting with Mid-Manair and Kadam. He now wants similar efforts at Jurala, Nagarjuna Sagar, SRSP, Nizam Sagar, and Hussainsagar. “Desiltation alone can give the government about Rs 500 crore additional income. If extended, it could fetch Rs 3,000–4,000 crore every year,” he noted. A detailed note on revenue potential is to be submitted to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on resource mobilisation.

Later, the minister held a video conference with NGRI, Himalayan Heli Services, and JP Associates to finalise arrangements for a heliborne aerial magnetic survey near the SLBC tunnel. Two existing helipads near the site will be used, while clearances from DGCA and other authorities are being processed.

He also announced that departmental promotions from Assistant Engineers to Engineer-in-Chief had been completed for the first time in 30 years. A celebratory event will be held at Jala Soudha on September 14 at 5 p.m.

Concluding the review, Uttam Kumar Reddy reminded officials that bottlenecks must be eliminated and delays escalated. “We have to be showing visible results in all projects. If there is some work that is stuck at secretary or my level, please come up to me and say that,” he said.