T'gana to go for optimum utilisation of Godavari water

The government of Telangana has resolved to utilise Godavari River water at the optimum level.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday ordered the officials to carry out lift operations from the Yellampalli, Devadula, and Sitarama projects for maximum utilisation of available water in Godavari.

At a review meeting of the Irrigation Department, the Chief Minister noted that as per the NDSA (National Dam Safety Authority) recommendations, water is not currently being stored in Sundilla, Annaram, and Medigadda barrages (all part of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project).

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), he emphasised the need to strictly follow NDSA recommendations in this regard.

During the meeting, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy briefed the Chief Minister that defects had been identified in both the Medigadda and Sundilla barrages.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy suggested consulting the NDSA on this matter immediately. Uttam Kumar Reddy also informed that water lifting operations using nine pumps were being carried out at the Devadula project is an unprecedented move. The Chief Minister instructed the officials to focus specifically on resolving any minor issues related to lift irrigation operations for the Devadula and Sitarama projects.

The pending payment of compensation to the farmers in a few villages from whom the land was acquired under various projects was reviewed. The Chief Minister ordered the officials to prepare an action plan ensuring immediate disbursement of the compensation to the farmers.

The Irrigation and Revenue officials were also instructed to conduct field visits and prepare a factual report regarding the villages which are prone to submergence as well as pending compensation and rehabilitation issues.

The Chief Minister emphasised that compensation must be paid immediately to villages facing an immediate impact, and completing the task would pave the way for filling the Baswapur and Gouravelli projects with water.

CM Revanth Reddy ordered the officials to conduct a comprehensive study on increasing the capacity of the Gattu and Gudemdoddi lift irrigation schemes and the appointment of a consultant for the Gudemdoddi pumped-storage project.