HYDERABAD: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday urged the Jal Shakti Ministry to fast-track statutory approvals for major irrigation projects, including the Dr BR Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi scheme.
In a representation to Jal Shakti Secretary VL Kantha Rao, Uttam said delays were affecting farmers in drought-prone areas and pushing up project costs. He said proposals in the Krishna and Godavari basins had been pending with Central agencies despite repeated submissions, and that early clearances were needed to protect Telangana’s water entitlements and enable access to Union assistance.
He flagged the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, whose Detailed Project Report is awaiting clearance from the Central Water Commission (CWC). The state has sought appraisal of Phase I for an initial utilisation of 45 tmcft, including drinking water, to provide early relief, with Phase II to follow statutory approvals.
The minister also sought early clearance for the Sammakka Sagar project, stating that replies to CWC observations had been submitted and remaining queries were being addressed. He asked that scrutiny be completed to allow early benefits.
On inter-state issues, he called for an early award by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II, saying this would help Telangana secure clearances for projects taken up earlier on surplus water provisions.
Uttam objected to the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project, warning against appraisal of what he described as a flood-based diversion without backing under tribunal awards. He said Maharashtra and Karnataka had also raised objections and sought a halt to appraisal, including of the renamed variant, until concerns were resolved.
He further opposed Karnataka’s move to acquire land to raise the height of the Almatti dam, citing a Supreme Court stay and possible impact on assured flows to Telangana.
Uttam sought approvals under PMKSY-AIBP for seven projects in drought-prone and tribal areas, noting that proposals had been submitted and some had cleared techno-economic scrutiny, and requested the Union government intervention to resolve pending issues.