KHAMMAM: The Taliperu project, the lone irrigation project in Bhadrachalam Agency division, is in danger.
The project was launched in 1977 by the then Congress chief minister, Jalagam Vengala Rao, at a cost of Rs 20 crore. The project was designed to provide irrigation water to the Agency areas, especially to the lands of Girijans. Over time, the estimated cost had escalated to Rs 40 crore.
Water was released through left canal in 1985 and through right canal in 1990. Though the project ran quite well for some years, it ran into rough weather with the delay in release of funds and escalating maintenance cost, which resulted in silting of the canals.
At many places, the cement constructions were damaged due to substandard construction. The faulty construction of canal bankings resulted in breaches at many places. As a result, farmers in Dummugudem mandal faced lot of problems due to the non-availability of water.
Another problem plaguing the project is severe staff crunch. Of the 30 staff required to man the three shifts, only 12 personnel are working in the project. While all these problems on one side, the key issue is the leakage to the gallery. The disturbing factor is that the leakage has crossed the permissible limit, if unplugged it would damage the very existence of the project, opine irrigation experts.
To pump out the leaked water from the gallery, two 15 HP submersible motors and 120 metres of HDP pipe is required which costs Rs 2.50 lakh and proposals have been sent four months ago. But so far there has been no response.
The left and right canals have also been damaged besides gates alignment.
Poor power supply is also a cause for concern. Power is being supplied only for seven hours to the project and that too with fluctuations.
The staff complain that they are unable to lift the gates in times of emergency times due to power cuts.
Project assistant engineer Tirupathi said that they paid Rs 5 lakh to the electricity department last year to supply 24-hour power supply to the project through separate lines.
He said steps are being taken to arrest the leakages in the gallery.
Project executive engineer Damodar also stressed the need to take up repairs to the project and canals immediately.
He said the proposals have already been sent in this regard and Government’s clearance was still awaited.