Telangana Chief Minister Commits to Kaleshwaram Project Revival and Godavari Development
In a significant announcement on Sunday, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy declared that the Kaleshwaram project will not be abandoned and outlined a comprehensive plan to bring the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages back into operational use. The CM, speaking during a visit to the J Chokka Rao Devadula lift irrigation project site in the combined Warangal district, emphasized the government's commitment to completing all irrigation projects between Tummidihatti and Bhadrachalam on the Godavari River.
Focus on Restoration and Future-Proofing
Revanth Reddy clarified that the current administration is not criticizing the previous BRS government for constructing the barrages but is instead taking proactive measures. "Agencies are examining the changes which may have occurred inside the earth at the barrages. We are taking precautions to prevent any damages in the future," he stated. The government has constituted an expert committee to oversee these efforts, recognizing that Kaleshwaram is public property, built with taxpayer money, and must be restored for the people's benefit.
The Chief Minister highlighted Telangana's achievement of becoming the number one state in paddy production in the country over the past two years, accomplished without utilizing water from the Kaleshwaram project. This underscores the state's agricultural resilience while the restoration work progresses.
Assembly Discussion and Political Accountability
Revanth Reddy announced that a dedicated day during the upcoming budget session of the assembly will be allocated to discuss Godavari river water issues, including project achievements and failures under both the previous BRS government and the current Congress administration. He urged the BRS to "stop its false and vicious campaign" and engage in truthful dialogue within the legislative forum.
Devadula Project Receives Major Boost
Following the site visit, the CM held a review meeting with engineers, unveiling several key initiatives for the Devadula project:
- ₹600 crore will be released by June 2 for land acquisition.
- Repairs to the Devadula project pumps will be completed within one month.
- A special meeting with local MLAs and officials will be convened during the budget session.
- A dedicated corpus fund for land acquisition will be established.
- Compensation for affected families will be disbursed through a green channel for efficiency.
Irrigation Minister Outlines Project Timeline and Impact
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who accompanied the CM, confirmed that the Devadula project is slated for completion by December 2027. This long-delayed initiative, originally launched in 2001, is now a top priority for the government. Once operational, it is expected to:
- Provide irrigation water to approximately six lakh acres across multiple districts, including Hanumakonda, Warangal, Karimnagar, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Jangaon, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Suryapet, and Siddipet.
- Enhance drinking water security for rural areas in upland and drought-prone regions of north Telangana.
The combined efforts on the Kaleshwaram and Devadula projects signify a robust push toward strengthening Telangana's water infrastructure, aiming to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable water management for future generations.
