KCR directs officials to expedite irrigation projects

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar on Friday asked the officials to expedite works on irrigation projects and adopt proper strategies to overcome the obstacles.

The Chief Minister held an extended review meeting on the irrigation projects at Pragati Bhavan here on Friday. Ministers T Harish Rao, Etala Rajender, Mission Bhagiratha Vice Chairman Vemula Prashanth Reddy, MDC Chairman Subhash Reddy, Government Whip Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Chief Secretary SP Singh, Special Chief secretary SK Joshi, Secretary Vikas Raj, E-in-C Muralidhar, representatives of the working agencies, CM secretary Smita Sabharwal and others attended the meeting.

During the meeting, a detailed and thorough discussion was held on the challenges being faced and the strategies to overcome the hurdles and also the time frame for the completion of irrigation projects.  The review was also held on Sri Ramadasu, Kaleswaram and Palamur projects. The Chief Minister enquired about the works done on Nagarjuna Sagar canals and Kakatiya canals. He also gave suggestions on completion of these projects and for supplying water to the agriculture during the on set of Monsoon.

“The meteorology officials are predicting bountiful rain this monsoon like the one we had last year.  They say there is no El Nino effect. Next four years too we are expecting a good rain. This is an auspicious beginning. We have to complete the projects speedily and supply water to the agriculture sector.  Construction of irrigation projects is top on our government’s agenda.  This is very necessary for our farming community. This is the reason why we have allocated more funds in the Budget.  We are paying bills without fail every month for the irrigation department. We will ensure that there is no dearth of funds,” the Chief Minister said. 

The Chief Minister said despite having 954 TMC of water in Godavari, it could not be utilized due to lack of projects. “We have to utilise the share of water given to us. Of this, Kaleswaram project is important.  Along with works on Medigadda barrage other works should also be completed parallelly.  Works on lifting water should be completed before the completion of Medigadda barrage.  Works should be completed by March 2018. Water should be provided by next Kharif season.  Take up construction works to supply water from Medigadda to Yellampally, Yellampally to Mid Maner, Mid Maner to Mallanna Sagar. Water should be diverted through Flood flow Canal to SRSP canal. Desilt the Channels. For this there are many methods being applied internationally. In China, major lift irrigation projects are constructed and maintained well. Engineers and officials team led by Irrigation Minister should visit China and study the projects,” he said.

“Along with civil and earth works, procure equipment and material for the electric works. Keep them ready at the project site. Coordinate with the electricity department for the construction of power Sub Stations and setting up of transmission lines.  Projects are constructed in a big way in Telangana state and this is a good opportunity for the working agencies. Take this opportunity and prove your merit.  We will also improve our efficiency from the government side. For getting forest clearances, if need be, I will personally go to Delhi and meet the ministers concerned,” the Chief Minister announced.

Kcr said projects were being constructed on Godavari River from Adilabad to Khammam depending upon the availability of water.  “We have to utilise Krishna Water with proper strategy and based on the ground realities.  Since more utilisation is there at Jurala point, we should think of Srisailam point and other places. Decrease the pressure at Jurala. We are supplying Godavari water to certain areas in Nalgonda district depended on Krishna River. Some areas in Khammam are also getting the Godavari water,” the Chief Minister explained.