Hyderabad:
Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday directed officials to fast-track the construction of all major irrigation projects, including the prestigious Palamuru–Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, and ensure their timely completion.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with irrigation officials at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, the Minister stressed the need for continuous monitoring of project progress and strict adherence to quality standards while executing the works.

He announced that a special wing is being set up to ensure the early completion of the SLBC Tunnel. The Minister said that the debris of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which got stuck due to an accident, has been completely removed and repair works are now underway using rail tracks inside the tunnel.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has agreed to provide adequate funds for the completion of all irrigation projects and asked officials to work in a mission mode. He warned that negligence or lack of responsibility in project execution would not be tolerated.

Regarding the Tummidihatti Barrage, the Minister said that extensive surveys and studies are being carried out for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He informed that topographical surveys over 73 square kilometres and 85 kilometres of canal surveys have already been completed. In addition, cross-section level surveys on both sides of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers have also been finished, enabling faster finalisation of the DPR.

On the Kaleshwaram Project, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, has submitted its site inspection reports and restoration plans for the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages. A three-member team has already started studies at Medigadda, while two others are inspecting borehole areas. Inspections at Annaram and Sundilla will begin on January 22. He directed officials to complete the restoration designs for all three barrages within a month.

The Minister also instructed officials to intensify efforts to obtain environmental clearances for irrigation projects, citing recent Supreme Court orders that facilitate such approvals. He said the issue has already been brought to the notice of the Union Jal Shakti Minister and will also be taken up with the Prime Minister.

Highlighting the problem of siltation, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that soil, sand and metal deposits have significantly reduced the water storage capacity of several projects. He announced that the state government has launched a special drive for desilting works across major reservoirs.

Referring to the Sriramsagar Project, the Minister said its capacity has reduced from 112 TMC to 90 TMC due to continuous inflow of silt during floods. He stressed the need for urgent measures to restore its full storage capacity.

Senior officials including Principal Secretary Rahul Bojja, Special Secretary K. Srinivas, ENC’s, Chief Engineers and Executive Engineers were present at the review meeting.