Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday directed officials to maximise Godavari water utilisation through the Yellampalli, Devadula and Sitarama lift projects.
The Chief Minister issued the directions during an Irrigation Department review meeting at MCRHRD. He asked officials to undertake lift operations and make maximum use of available Godavari water.
Revanth Reddy also reviewed the situation at the Sundilla, Annaram and Medigadda barrages. Officials were not storing water in the three barrages following recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority. Therefore, the Chief Minister instructed the Irrigation Department to strictly follow the NDSA recommendations.
Godavari water utilisation depends on lift operations
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy informed the meeting that officials had identified defects in the Medigadda and Sundilla barrages. Following the briefing, Revanth Reddy directed officials to immediately consult the NDSA about the identified defects.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also informed the Chief Minister about ongoing lift operations under the Devadula project. He said officials were using nine pumps to lift water under the project.
The minister described the nine-pump operation as unprecedented. Meanwhile, Revanth Reddy asked officials to ensure that technical or operational problems did not disrupt the lifting process.
The Chief Minister specifically directed them to address even minor issues affecting the Devadula and Sitarama lift projects. He wanted officials to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations. The government aimed to improve Godavari water utilisation while complying with dam safety recommendations for the barrages.
Godavari water utilisation review covers compensation
The meeting also examined compensation owed to farmers whose lands had been acquired for various irrigation projects. Revanth Reddy directed officials to prepare an action plan and immediately disburse pending compensation to affected farmers.
Moreover, he instructed Irrigation and Revenue officials to visit affected areas. They had to assess villages facing a submergence threat and submit factual reports. The reports would also cover pending compensation and rehabilitation issues. Consequently, officials were asked to establish the ground situation before taking further action.
Revanth Reddy directed the departments to immediately compensate villages facing an imminent impact from irrigation projects. He said completing the compensation process would clear the way for filling the Baswapur and Gouravelli projects with water.
The Chief Minister also linked timely rehabilitation and compensation with progress on irrigation works. Therefore, he asked the departments concerned to resolve pending issues without delay.
The review focused on maximising available river water, maintaining lift operations and complying with NDSA recommendations. It also covered land acquisition compensation and rehabilitation in project-affected villages.