Hyderabad, October 7: Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the restoration of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme’s Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages is being carried out strictly in line with the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report. Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat, the minister emphasized that the Congress government places top priority on completing pending irrigation projects across the state.
He revealed that national institutions and expert agencies have been engaged to supervise the restoration works, with a leading IIT expected to act as the chief technical partner in collaboration with the state’s Chief Design Organisation (CDO). The IIT team will handle structural designs, testing, and rehabilitation planning. Preliminary testing was completed before the monsoon, and the full restoration design is expected within a year. “The entire rehabilitation process will strictly adhere to NDSA recommendations, with weekly progress reviews to ensure transparency and accountability,” the minister said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also reviewed major irrigation projects including the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi, Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, and Sammakka–Sarakka project. The government is committed to completing the 43-km SLBC tunnel by December 2027, which will channel Krishna River waters to drought-prone regions. He added that technical and administrative hurdles are being resolved to ensure steady progress under strict supervision.
The minister further mentioned that proposals for Sitammasagar, Modikuntavagu, Chanaka–Korata, and Chinna Kaleshwaram have been submitted for approval under the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), and that the Devadula project is nearing full operational capacity. He directed officials to finalize all revised estimates within the month and expedite compensation for land acquisition. “The government’s focus is on scientific, transparent, and accountable water management,” Uttam Kumar Reddy stated.
