HYDERABAD, JAN 13   :   Telangana government has targeted to create new ayacuts covering approximately 5 lakh acres by the end of the current year.

Briefing media persons after a review meeting on Saturday Minister of Irrigation Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Congress-led Government in Telangana is poised to enhance efficiency in irrigation project expenditures, to create a new ayacut covering approximately 5 lakh acres by December 2024.

He said ‘’We have identified projects during the meeting where new ayacuts can be created within six months and one year. Our target for this calendar year, by December 2024, is to create new ayacuts spanning 4.5 to 5 lakh acres,” he declared.

Uttam expressed concern over wasteful expenditure during the previous BRS government and underscored the importance of prioritizing projects capable of swiftly generating new ayacuts.

Uttam announced a vigilance inquiry into the Medigadda barrage collapse, ensuring accountability for those responsible.

He also disclosed Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s request for a judicial inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project, demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency.

Regarding water rights, the Minister affirmed the State Government’s dedication to safeguarding Telangana’s water rights. He expressed willingness to engage in productive discussions with neighboring states and the Central Government.

A proposal will be sent to the Central government for funding the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, as assured by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Uttam criticized former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for changing the Ambedkar Pranahita Chevella project to the Kaleshwaram project, asserting that the original project would have achieved a new ayacut of 16 lakh acres at a fraction of the cost.

He highlighted alleged mistakes in irrigation projects, cautioning about the long-term consequences for the people of Telangana.

The Minister reiterated the Congress Government’s commitment to expeditiously creating new ayacuts at optimal expenditure.

Additionally, he announced plans to desilt all water tanks across Telangana during the summer and revealed a delegation’s intention, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, to visit Karnataka to secure 10 TMC of Krishna water to address upcoming drinking water needs amid current water scarcity.(UNI)