Hyderabad: On Monday, State Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy urged senior officials to speed up work on all irrigation projects. He emphasized that the government needs to show “visible results” as it approaches its two-year mark in December.
At a meeting at Jala Soudha, the minister reviewed various issues. These included water allocation clearances, tribunal hearings, desiltation work, land acquisition, and repair of damaged barrages.
The Sammakka Sarakka project received special attention. Reddy announced that the Central Water Commission will meet on September 23 in Delhi to decide on water allocation and Technical Advisory Committee clearance.
He instructed officials to quickly submit the necessary simulation report on ayacut and secure a no-objection certificate from the Chhattisgarh Government, which already has the submergence report.
For projects like Sitarama Sagar, Modikuntavagu, and others, Reddy ordered the completion of investment clearance applications within a week. This is crucial for securing funding from the Centre under the PMKSY scheme.
Discussing the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal issues, Reddy mentioned plans for another meeting with Supreme Court lawyer C.S. Vaidyanathan before the hearings on September 23-25. He might attend, and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy may join if available.
Regarding the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, Reddy stressed that rehabilitation must follow the National Dam Safety Authority report. He called for involving reputed institutions like IITs for structural testing and urged readiness with action plans post-flood.
For the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Project at Tummidihatti, Reddy reminded officials of the Congress manifesto promise and demanded a revised DPR and draft proposal promptly. He also sought a schedule for talks with the Maharashtra Government.
Reddy highlighted the Palamuru–Rangareddy project and others like Jurala, Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, Bhima, and Koilsagar as top priorities. He directed the Commissioner of Land Acquisition to address pending issues in land acquisition, rehabilitation, and forest clearance for these and additional projects, emphasizing the urgency for the Kodangal-Narayanpet project.
