National status to Devadula project any time from now: Ponnala

Minister for Major Irrigation Ponnala Laxmaiah on Friday said  that the Government is making efforts to accord national status for the Godavari Lift Irrigation Scheme, also known as Devadula project. ``As we have replied all queries raised for  granting it  a Natioinal status,  a positive response may come anytime from now,’’  the  Minister added.

The Government is  sparing no effort in ensuring the recognition of at least three major projects in the State as national projects, he noted.

The Centre  is also examining granting national status for Polavaram project and the  Pranahita-Chevella project. A team of senior officials was deputed to New Delhi to hasten approvals for various projects,  Ponnala  observed.

The State Government is  committed to the ‘Jala Yagnam'. There is no truth in allegations from some quarters that due importance is not being given,''  the   Minister  remarked.

The  Government is planning to complete 39 irrigation projects during 2010-11.  It  had already completed works on 12 irrigation projects under ‘Jala Yagnam' while water was released partially in 19 projects,  Ponnala concluded.