With plans to irrigate over 42 lakh acres in the upcoming Rabi season and resolve inter-state water disputes, the Congress government in the state is on course to establish Telangana as a leader in sustainable irrigation development, as per government sources.
Officials said that despite challenges like the flaws in the Kaleshwaram project, the state achieved record-breaking agricultural growth and addressed longstanding irrigation issues with its focus on efficiency and farmer welfare.
The Congress government prioritized low-cost, high-benefit irrigation projects, including Neelam Vagu, Pimpiri, Palem Vagu, and Mathadi Vagu. With an investment of Rs. 241 crore, these projects are designed to irrigate 48,000 acres by March 2025.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been steadfast in ensuring that Telangana receives its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari waters. From initiating legal battles to securing central assistance, the state government has taken bold steps to correct the neglect of the previous dispensations.
A White Paper presented in the Assembly by Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy detailed the mismanagement under the Bharat Rashtra Samithi regime, highlighting defects in Kaleshwaram’s Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. A judicial commission has been established to probe irregularities in the project.
The state government made significant progress also on major projects like Devadula, Seetharama, and SLBC, completing delayed works and ensuring new command areas are irrigated.
In a landmark achievement, Telangana cultivated 67 lakh acres of paddy this monsoon, producing 153 lakh tonnes of grain-a record in the state’s history. This feat was accomplished without utilizing water from Kaleshwaram, proving the efficacy of improved irrigation planning and execution.
The Congress government is also focused on ensuring justice in water distribution. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to present strong arguments before the Krishna Tribunal to buttress Telangana’s claim over 70% of the river’s waters as its rightful share. Additionally, the state has secured Rs. 422 crore for NH-65 repairs and initiated strategic discussions with neighboring states and the Center to expedite permissions for critical projects like Palamuru-Rangareddy and Sammakka-Sarakka.
