The Congress government in Hyderabad has decided to prioritize irrigation projects that were previously put on hold by the BRS government. The Pranahitha, SLBC, Nakkalagandi, and Chinna Kaleshwaram projects will receive top priority, and the necessary funds will be allocated in the 2024-25 budget. Additionally, the Rajiv Sagar project, which was merged with Sitarama Sagar in Khammam district, will be revived.
The irrigation engineers are currently working on proposals to revive the Pranahita-Chevella project, which was initiated by Chief Minister Dr YS Rajashekhar Reddy during his term in Andhra Pradesh. Due to financial constraints, the government will prioritize projects that will have the most benefit for the people.
During a budget preparatory meeting led by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, the issue was thoroughly discussed. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and top irrigation officials explained the government’s priorities in completing the irrigation schemes. The ministers expressed concern over the previous government’s expenditure of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore on irrigation without achieving the desired results or creating new agricultural land.
Objections were raised regarding the Sitarama Sagar project in Khammam district, which has already cost Rs 7,000 crore but has not resulted in any new agricultural land. The Deputy CM instructed irrigation officials to revive the Rajiv Sagar project and ensure the creation of new agricultural land. The Alimineti Madhava Reddy Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) and the Nakkalagandi project will also be completed.
The BRS government had abandoned these projects on technical grounds, but now the irrigation officials have been instructed to resolve the issues and resume work. The Chinna Kaleshwaram project in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district will also be completed in the next financial year.
