HYDERABAD, JULY 28 :  Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the Congress Government will spend Rs 10,820 crore on irrigation projects in 2024-25.

Addressing a press conference at Jal Soudha on Sunday, after holding a review meeting with the irrigation department, Reddy stated that the irrigation sector received a focused capital investment allocation of Rs 10,820 crore in the financial budget.

Discussions included identifying stalled projects and pending payments. Reddy highlighted the potential for flooding in certain areas during the rainy season and the necessary precautions for reservoirs and tanks.

He also announced the creation of an additional 30 lakh acres of ayacut across Telangana in five years, emphasizing the government’s commitment to benefiting farmers and the public.

Reddy reviewed the progress of priority projects, measures to expedite work, and actions taken on petitions submitted by public representatives regarding irrigation issues. He assured that there would be no shortage of funds for priority projects and that the allocation for the Irrigation Department is adequate.

He stressed the importance of completing field-level work according to targets and ensuring that assigned tasks are completed on time. Negligence in work will not be tolerated, and contractors causing delays or acting negligently will face action.

The Minister underscored the value of public funds and the necessity of careful expenditure. He emphasized the need for effective operation and maintenance of canals and tanks, along with regular inspections and flood prevention measures. State-level reviews will be conducted every 15 days to ensure compliance and progress.

Irrigation Department Advisor Aditya Nath Das, Secretary Rahul Bojja, Prashant Patil, ENC Anil, and other officials attended the video conference.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also shared funding details and proposed ayacut for various projects in the Godavari and Krishna Basins.

Overall, the total proposed new ayacut across both (Krishna and Godavari) basins is 584,770 acres, with a combined funding requirement of Rs 7,406.43 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. This plan reflects the Telangana Government’s commitment to enhancing the state’s irrigation infrastructure, focusing on critical projects to improve water management and agricultural output, supporting farmers’ livelihoods, and contributing to the region’s economic growth.

An expenditure of Rs 7,406.43 crore is planned for creating a new ayacut covering 5.85 lakh acres across 12 projects.

Reddy highlighted that in the Kaleshwaram project, Packages 9, 20, 21, 21A, and 22 have been prioritized. The Narayanpet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme (LIS) is a new priority project requiring Rs 1,000 crore for land acquisition and related works.

The Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Project, classified under Category-C, requires Rs 6,130.53 crore for land acquisition and works, with its ayacut expected to be realized after March 31, 2026.(UNI)