In a decisive move to expedite long-pending irrigation projects in the erstwhile Khammam district, the Telangana government has resolved to fast-track environmental clearances for the Sitarama Sagar Lift Irrigation Scheme and address the Polavaram backwater issue with the Centre. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who announced that ministers would tour all irrigation projects in the region to ensure timely completion.
Review Meeting with Ministers and Elected Representatives
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Tummala Nageshwara Rao, along with district incharge Minister Vakiti Srihari and other elected representatives from Khammam. The gathering focused on assessing the status of various pending irrigation projects and identifying bottlenecks that have caused delays.
Priority Issues Identified
During the review, Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that issues related to land acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), forest clearances, environmental clearances, and court cases must be addressed on a priority basis. He stressed that no further delays would be tolerated and directed officials to resolve these matters promptly.
Sitarama Sagar Lift Irrigation Scheme
On the Sitarama project, the minister underscored the urgency of securing all pending environmental clearances. Officials informed him that the project has already obtained Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) clearance, also known as Techno-Economic Clearance, from the Central Water Commission (CWC). The ministers also reviewed court-related matters concerning the project and instructed officials to closely monitor cases pending before the Supreme Court and other courts.
Water Diversion Strategy
Uttam Kumar Reddy directed that diverting Godavari waters from the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project to the Paleru Balancing Reservoir through the NSP Left Canal system should be accorded top priority. The strategically designed Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP) lifts Godavari waters from the Dummugudem Anicut and integrates them with the NSP Left Canal system. This process stabilizes and augments irrigation in the existing ayacut, particularly in tail-end and water-scarce areas.
Forest Clearances and Land Acquisition
The minister directed officials to secure all required forest clearances by July-end and ensure that contractors do not cite land-related issues as reasons for delays. Additionally, he instructed officials to expedite land acquisition for the Munneru–Paleru Link Canal. Officials informed him that the proposed 9-km gravity canal requires acquisition of approximately 317 acres in four villages.
Bayyaram Upland Tribal Areas
Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy suggested lifting water from Sitarama Lift Package-I to the Bayyaram upland tribal areas in Yellandu Assembly constituency. He directed officials to prepare a practical and cost-effective proposal covering the source point, minimum lift requirement, utilization of local streams, financial implications, and expected ayacut benefits.
Polavaram Backwater Issue
Addressing the issue of submergence in Bhadrachalam division due to Polavaram project backwaters, the ministers assured public representatives that the matter would be taken up shortly with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA). A dedicated review meeting will be convened to find solutions to the problems faced by affected communities.
Government Assurance
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka assured full support and timely release of funds for the speedy completion of irrigation projects in the district. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that all pending projects are completed without further delay, benefiting farmers and the region's agricultural economy.
