The Telangana Government is committed to allocating funds based on priority to complete irrigation projects while ensuring the maintenance of existing ones, said Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.
The ministers made these remarks during a pre-budget meeting of Irrigation and Civil Supplies departments held at the secretariat on Monday.
On the state’s financial situation, they blamed the BRS government for taking high-interest loans, burdening the state. “The KCR administration borrowed funds at an interest rate of 10%, while the current government has successfully reduced it to 8%,” they stated.
During discussions, officials were directed to treat the SLBC Project as a top priority and complete the installation of the fifth pump under AMRP (Alimineti Madhava Reddy Srisailam Left Bank Canal).
They also emphasised the need for a detailed study of the Sitarama Project in erstwhile Khammam district to ensure that the Paleru Reservoir is fully replenished with Godavari water.
The ministers instructed officials to review the canal networks from Baswapur to Singur in the Godavari basin and Yedula to Vattam in erstwhile Mahbubnagar district.
With the Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme reaching its final stages, officials were asked to ensure speedy completion of the remaining works. The ministers stressed that the next financial year’s focus should be on land acquisition, maintenance of old projects, and capital works under various irrigation schemes.
They also underscored the need for the modernisation of irrigation projects and the lining of canals, stating that such measures would extend project lifespans and enhance water utilization efficiency.
Taking a swipe at the BRS administration, the ministers said the KCR government focused solely on the Kaleshwaram Project, neglecting older irrigation projects, which have now fallen into a state of disrepair. They emphasized the need for regular maintenance of old projects while simultaneously exploring Central funding options for irrigation schemes.
The ministers directed officials to establish a special legal team to resolve land disputes connected to irrigation projects and ensure the completion of gate repairs for all medium and minor projects. Strengthening canal networks was also listed as a key priority.
