Hyderabad, December 18, 2024 Patriotic Views – Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy today reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to completing the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) by December 2026. Responding to queries in the Telangana Legislative Council, the Minister dismissed allegations of neglect and emphasized that the project remains a top priority for the government.

Uttam Kumar Reddy provided an update on the progress of the PRLIS, highlighting that significant strides have been made both physically and financially. He shared that the project is being implemented in 18 packages, including four lift packages and 14 civil works packages, covering essential components such as approach channels, open canals, tunnels, pump houses, and reservoirs.

He noted that Stage-I of the pumping station was successfully commissioned on September 16, 2023, while Stage-II, Stage-III, and Stage-IV pumping stations are near completion and expected to be operational soon. These developments are expected to significantly improve irrigation and drinking water facilities, particularly in drought-prone areas of Telangana.

The Minister also revealed that Rs. 32,305 crore has been spent on the project so far, with an additional Rs. 33,201 crore required to complete the remaining works, bringing the total project cost to approximately Rs. 65,506 crore. He assured that the government is working to secure necessary funding and clearances to ensure timely completion.

PRLIS is designed to irrigate 12.3 lakh acres across districts including Nagarkurnool, Mahabubnagar, Vikarabad, Ranga Reddy, Narayanpet, and Nalgonda. It will also supply drinking water to surrounding villages and support industrial use by lifting 90 TMC of flood water from the Srisailam Project on the Krishna River.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also shared that environmental and technical clearances from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) are in progress, with approvals expected soon. He emphasized that these processes will not delay the project timeline.

Regarding land acquisition, he informed that 26,872 acres of the required 27,047 acres have been acquired, with the remaining 175 acres under progress. He reiterated that PRLIS will be fully completed and operational by December 2026, with a clear focus on transforming Telangana’s agricultural sector, especially in drought-affected regions.

The Minister strongly refuted allegations of neglect, stressing that the Congress government has prioritized irrigation and has allocated Rs. 22,500 crore for the sector this year, with nearly Rs. 11,000 crore earmarked for capital works. He added that PRLIS remains the top priority irrigation project for the government.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also criticized the BRS MLCs, led by K Kavitha, for creating chaos in the Legislative Council over alleged delays in the project, and dismissed claims that 90% of the project was completed under the previous BRS government. He further criticized the previous government for not obtaining necessary clearances and for failing to address the project’s critical needs.

The Minister also rejected attempts by the BRS to link the Narayanapet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme (NKLIS) with PRLIS, clarifying that the two projects are unrelated and NKLIS was sanctioned in May 2014, prior to the formation of Telangana.

He also accused the BRS government of failing to act decisively on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS), which he argued benefited Andhra Pradesh due to delays caused by the previous administration.

Uttam Kumar Reddy concluded by reaffirming the Congress government’s unwavering commitment to completing PRLIS as planned, ensuring water security and agricultural development for Telangana’s underserved districts.