The Irrigation Minister regretted that despite the BRS government spending Rs 27,500 crore on the Palamuru-Rangareddy project, there was no increase in the areas under irrigation.
Congress government aims to provide irrigation water to 12 lakh acres in the undivided Mahabubnagar district, asserted Minister for Irrigation N Uttam Kumar Reddy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.
During the inspection of irrigation projects in the district, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured people that the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme would be constructed within three years. He highlighted the necessity of expediting the project to transform the migration-prone Palamuru district into a green haven, a decision echoed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with the State Cabinet.
Plans to accelerate the projects have been formulated to ensure timely progress. On Wednesday, Uttam Kumar Reddy, accompanied by Excise and Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Planning Commission Chairman G Chinna Reddy, and Nagar Kurnool MP Mallu Ravi, conducted a field study of the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. They inspected various construction sites, including the Narlapur pump house and reservoirs at Gattu and Shankarasamudram, and held discussions with local stakeholders in Uddandapur.
Following the field visit, the Minister participated in a review meeting at the Nagar Kurnool Collector’s office.
Speaking to the media later, he reiterated that the Gattu, Nettempadu, and Koyilasagar projects would be prioritised for completion.
The Minister referred to the issue of leaks at the Ryalampadu reservoir under the Nettempadu project, stating efforts would be made to maintain its capacity at four tmc ft. Furthermore, he revealed plans to increase the Gattu Lift Irrigation Scheme’s capacity from 10 tmc ft to 20 tmc ft.
On Tuesday, the government released Rs 46 crore for Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) efforts. He assured that the government is committed to addressing the challenges faced by displaced individuals and announced the formation of a special committee to tackle these issues. He vowed to provide justice to the affected communities, emphasising the government’s humanitarian approach to resettlement challenges. He expressed regret that despite the BRS government spending of Rs 27,500 crore on the Palamuru-Rangareddy project, there was no increase in the areas under irrigation.
The event was attended by several officials, including Special Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Special Secretary for Irrigation Prashant Jeevan Patil, and District Collector Anil Kumar, among others.
