Telangana Minister Promises to Clear All Hurdles for Irrigation Projects

Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated on Thursday that the state government has given top priority to irrigation and assured that all administrative, financial, and legal obstacles will be resolved to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Speaking after a review meeting at the Sathupalli tunnel point, where he inspected the Sitarama Project alongside Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Mr. Reddy said the government is accelerating work at all levels.

The Minister highlighted that Telangana has received final clearance from the Central Water Commission for utilising 67 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Godavari water for the Sitarama Project, a clearance obtained after he assumed charge as Irrigation Minister. This approval is expected to strengthen the project's implementation.

Mr. Reddy assured that all three irrigation projects will be completed during the current Congress government's tenure and that adequate Godavari waters will be used for irrigation.

He announced that land acquisition for irrigation projects will receive the highest priority and directed District Collectors and irrigation officials to expedite the process by ensuring prompt compensation payments.

Referring to past irrigation projects in the region, Mr. Reddy noted that the earlier Congress government had initiated the Rajiv Sagar and Indira Sagar projects, which could have provided similar irrigation benefits at a much lower cost had they been completed on time.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Reddy, along with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, conducted an on-ground review of progress on the Sitarama and Sitamma Sagar projects in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.