Centre Promises Sitarama Sagar Project Approval

Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy today secured commitments from Union Jal Shakti minister C R Patil for expedited approvals for critical irrigation projects and resolutions of ongoing water disputes.

These discussions transpired during the 2nd All India State Water Ministers' Conference.

Reddy sought prompt approval and funding of key projects including the Sitarama Sagar Project. In response, Ministry of Jal Shakti Secretary Debasish Mukherjee assured Reddy that all requisite clearances for the project would be granted within a month.

Addressing concerns about the Medigadda barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, the minister spoke about the prolonged inquiry by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) into the structural issues observed in October 2023. In response, Patil committed to releasing the NDSA's findings by the end of the month.

The forthcoming report is expected to provide insights into the barrage's design and construction "flaws", which have been subjects of scrutiny.

Reddy also expressed concerns over Andhra Pradesh's alleged excessive water withdrawals from the Srisailam dam's backwaters and the Nagarjuna Sagar project's right canal during the current Rabi season. He called for Central intervention to safeguard the Rabi crops in Telangana's Nagarjuna Sagar ayacut areas, particularly in the erstwhile Nalgonda and Khammam districts.

The Union minister promised immediate measures to ensure equitable water distribution and prevent unauthorized extractions.

To enhance transparency and prevent future disputes, Reddy asked for the installation of telemetry systems at both the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar dams. He said that these systems, proposed at 35 strategic points along the Krishna river, would provide real-time data on water usage, ensuring adherence to allocated quotas. The Union minister concurred, recognizing the importance of accurate monitoring mechanisms.

Reddy also pressed for the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) to be accorded national project status, which would entail full Central funding. Mukherjee indicated that the Centre would explore the possibility of providing infrastructure funds for Telangana's irrigation projects at 0% interest, coupled with a 50-year repayment period.

The discussions extended to environmental concerns, with Reddy seeking Central assistance for the cleaning and rejuvenation of the Musi river and the development of the Godavari-Musi link. The Union minister acknowledged the significance of these initiatives and agreed to consider the State's proposals.

Emphasizing the criticality of equitable water sharing, Reddy urged the Centre to also expedite the proceedings of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II). A swift resolution was essential to ensure that Telangana received its rightful share of water resources, he said.