Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has sought Chhattisgarh’s cooperation for the Sammakka Sagar project, taking up the issue of a pending No Objection Certificate (NOC) with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during his visit to Hyderabad.
The move could help accelerate appraisal of the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
During the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy briefed the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister on Telangana’s efforts to advance long-pending irrigation projects aimed at utilising Godavari waters for irrigation, drinking water supply and regional development.
Sammakka Sagar project awaits Chhattisgarh NOC
The Minister specifically requested the Chhattisgarh government to issue the pending NOC for the Sammakka Sagar project, formerly known as the Tupakulagudem Barrage.
According to Telangana officials, all directorates of the Central Water Commission have already cleared the project except the Inter-State Directorate.
As a result, the absence of the NOC remains the only hurdle preventing further appraisal of the DPR.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also handed over a formal communication requesting immediate issuance of the clearance.
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister reportedly responded positively and assured that the request would receive sympathetic consideration.
Sammakka Sagar project survey underway
The Minister informed Chhattisgarh that engineers from both states had earlier conducted a joint survey of the submergence area.
Subsequently, Chhattisgarh sought a more detailed assessment, including demarcation of the Full Reservoir Level and backwater levels, to determine the extent of affected land and villages.
To facilitate the exercise, Telangana agreed to bear the full survey cost.
The state government released Rs 9.883 crore to the Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department in April 2026 for the survey.
Officials said the survey is currently underway in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
Telangana has also assured Chhattisgarh that compensation for any affected land would be paid according to applicable laws and procedures.
The state further conveyed its willingness to deposit compensation amounts in advance if required for issuance of the NOC.