Uttam directs officials to fast-track irrigation projects in Khammam

Hyderabad: In a bid to fast-track pending irrigation projects, irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy along with deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Tummala Nageshwara Rao and Vakiti Srihari reviewed their status along with officials on Thursday.

During the review meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy made it clear that issues relating to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R), forest clearances and court cases should be addressed on a priority basis.

On Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP), the minister stressed the need to expedite all pending environmental clearances. Officials informed him that the project had already secured Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) clearance from the Central Water Commission (CWC).

The ministers also reviewed court-related matters concerning the project and directed officials to closely monitor cases pending before the Supreme Court and other courts. He said that diverting Godavari waters from SRLIP to the Paleru Balancing Reservoir through the NSP Left Canal system should be accorded top priority.

Through the SRLIP, Godavari waters are being lifted from the Dummugudem anicut and integrated with the NSP Left Canal system, thereby stabilising and augmenting irrigation in the existing ayacut, particularly in tail-end and water-scarce areas. Uttam Kumar directed officials to secure all required forest clearances by July-end and ensure that contractors do not cite land-related issues as reasons for delays.

The minister also directed officials to expedite land acquisition for the Munneru–Paleru Link Canal. Officials informed him that the proposed 9-km gravity canal required acquisition of about 317 acres in four villages.

Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy suggested to lift 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, utilisation of local streams, financial implications and expected ayacut benefits.

Addressing the issue of submergence in Bhadrachalam division due to Polavaram project backwaters, the ministers assured that the matter would be taken up shortly with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) and a dedicated review meeting would be convened to find solutions. Speaking on the occasion, Bhatti Vikramarka assured full support and timely release of funds for speedy completion of irrigation projects in the district.