Hyderabad: The Bhima canal delay drew sharp criticism from state Excise, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao during an inspection near Nagarlabanda Tanda on Saturday.
The minister visited the site where the Bhima canal had breached seven years ago near the Bhima 16th KG high-level bridge. The breach occurred in July 2019 but restoration works were still incomplete.
During the inspection, Krishna Rao questioned officials over records showing that irrigation water was supplied through the canal despite the breach. He asked how irrigation was possible when the canal remained damaged.
Officials had reportedly recorded that about 6,000 acres were receiving irrigation through the canal. However, the minister said the claim raised serious concerns in view of the Bhima canal delay.
Bhima Superintending Engineer Chandrasekhar and Chief Engineer Nagendra accompanied the minister during the visit.
Officials explained that canal works from Srirangapur Rangasamudram were awarded to RNR Connections company under a contract worth about ₹70 crore.
The project required completion of 76 kilometres of canal work. However, only about 62.5 kilometres had been completed so far.
Krishna Rao questioned how 98 percent of the contract funds were released to the contractor despite the incomplete works. He said the issue reflected serious lapses linked to the Bhima canal delay.
Bhima canal delay affecting irrigation for thousands of acres
The Bhima canal was designed to supply irrigation water to about 21,000 acres. At present, however, water reached only around 16,000 acres.
As a result, nearly 5,000 acres remained without irrigation support. Farmers in the region faced serious difficulties because of the Bhima canal delay, the minister said.
Local leaders and farmers also explained their concerns during the inspection. They said the canal had remained damaged for seven years despite repeated complaints to authorities.
Krishna Rao instructed officials to submit a detailed report on the issue. He also criticised the alleged negligence of concerned departments regarding the Bhima canal delay.
Bhima canal delay review followed by welfare outreach
Later, the minister interacted with villagers at Nagarlabanda Tanda. He said the government aimed to deliver welfare schemes to every eligible beneficiary.
Krishna Rao said the government was working actively for farmers’ welfare. He added that free electricity for farmers was being provided as part of those efforts.
The minister also listed several welfare initiatives introduced by the government. These included Indiramma housing, free bus travel for women and distribution of fine rice through ration cards.
He urged people to make full use of government welfare programmes.
Wanaparthy District Library Organisation chairman Govardhan Sagar, district tourism officer Kalvarala Narasimha and several local leaders attended the programme.