Speed up irrigation project works: BJP

Hyderabad: BJP Telangana chief N Ramchander Rao slammed the Revanth Reddy-led Congress govt for its “non-serious attitude” toward irrigation projects in the Godavari basin. In a letter to the chief minister, he stated that delays in execution are hindering Telangana from utilising its allocated share of water, estimated at 968 tmcft.Rao highlighted that the state has not addressed the reports from the National Dam Safety Authority regarding damage to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project’s barrages, specifically Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla, which remain unrepaired. He noted that while the NDSA issued recommendations for repairs as early as November 2023, the state govt has failed to act promptly.Additionally, Rao pointed to delays in the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project in Khammam and the Sammakka-Sarakka Sagar project in Mulugu, which he said are depriving the state of significant water resources.Rao articulated concerns regarding the state govt’s reported discussions on potential modifications to the alignment and source location of the proposed Godavari-Cauvery River interlinking project originating from Icchampalli. He contended that such changes could adversely impact the interests of Telangana and impede the optimal utilisation of the state’s allocated Godavari water resources.He urged the govt to expedite the implementation of these projects to ensure the optimal use of available water.