Hyderabad: State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has ordered faster progress on two major water projects in Telangana—the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP) and the Sitamma Sagar Multi-Purpose Project (SSMPP). He stressed that delays must stop and work should move ahead without excuses.
During a high-level meeting, which included Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, along with senior officials, the Minister made it clear: “This is the right season to push forward. We must act quickly.”
He instructed officials to be present at the project sites every day to closely track land and forest clearance tasks. He wants regular updates on land acquisition, project costs, and any roadblocks. Engineering teams must keep him informed directly.
Reddy called for faster land acquisition in all parts of the project. He also demanded that issues related to compensatory afforestation—planting trees to replace those cut for the project—be sorted out immediately.
Some parts of the project were started earlier without proper approvals. As a result, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of ₹53.41 crore. The Minister said the government is now working on a legal plan to have this penalty cancelled.
Contractors and project stakeholders can expect priority payments, but only after proper documentation. Reddy asked officials to submit a clear note explaining why certain payments should be made first. This will be sent to the Finance Department through official channels.
To ensure steady progress, the Minister announced another review meeting will be held in one month to track improvements.
Former MLA Gummadi Narsaiah raised a request to ensure water supply to Yellandu. Reddy responded positively. He ordered a technical team to study the proposal and report their findings to him.
The Minister also confirmed that the Sitamma Sagar project will include a hydroelectric power plant. The government has already submitted a 282.8 MW plan to TG GENCO, and it is currently under review.
He highlighted that it was the current Congress government that successfully convinced both the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Union Government to allocate 67 TMCFT of Godavari river water for the project.
