Telangana explores Sundilla link for cost-efficient redesign of Pranahita–Chevella project
Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Telangana Government examined a revised Sundilla link to revive the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Project in a cost-efficient and sustainable way.
While chairing a review meeting at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat on Monday, he said the proposed alignment through the Sundilla link could lower costs by 10 to 12 per cent. It could also reduce land acquisition by nearly half. Moreover, the change might save about ₹1,500 to ₹1,600 crore compared with the earlier route. The revision avoided coal-bearing zones that had stalled the earlier plan.
Revised Sundilla link offers technical and environmental gains
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the revised link appeared practical and environmentally sound. It could solve geological issues linked to coal seams and use existing infrastructure more efficiently. The Government, therefore, would take a final decision after completing technical and financial studies.
Earlier, the plan involved drawing water from the Pranahita River at Tummidihatti barrage and carrying it to Yellampalli through a 71-kilometre canal. However, tunnelling through coal seams made the work risky and expensive. The new proposal links Tummidihatti directly to Sundilla, bypassing those zones entirely. Departmental studies found the route technically feasible and financially stronger.
The Minister asked the Irrigation Department to conduct new geotechnical and topographical surveys to update feasibility data. “Every step will rely on technical merit and economic reasoning,” he said.
Officials told the Minister that the revised plan could save up to ₹1,600 crore by using shorter structures, reducing excavation, and reusing existing pump stations. Land acquisition could drop by 50 per cent, bringing major savings in compensation and environmental costs.
Telangana Sundilla link Pranahita–Chevella redesign to cut power use
The redesign integrates Sundilla’s existing infrastructure. It reassesses pump houses, tunnel lengths, and lift components. Moreover, the revised gradient could reduce the gravity canal from 30 to 13 kilometres and tunnel length from 14 to 10 kilometres. The number of pump houses may fall from 15 to 10 main and two auxiliary units, each with 30 MW capacity.
“These changes will cut power use and construction time while simplifying maintenance,” the Minister said. He added that the redesign aimed not only to reduce costs but also to ensure lasting efficiency.
He directed officials to prepare an updated Detailed Project Report covering hydraulic models, environmental studies, and cost–benefit analysis. Once completed, the DPR will go before the State Cabinet for approval.
The Minister said Telangana would also consult Maharashtra about the Tummidihatti barrage height since optimal levels were vital for proper water flow into the canals.
Long-pending project to bring Godavari water to upland Telangana
Conceived in 2008–09, the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella project aims to utilise 160 TMC of Godavari water to irrigate nearly 12 lakh acres across Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Medak, and Ranga Reddy districts. It will also supply drinking water to Hyderabad and nearby areas.
The Minister said surveys and DPR work were progressing. The Government will place findings before the Cabinet soon. After approvals, it plans phased execution and concurrent tendering to ensure speed, transparency, and accountability.
The meeting also reviewed other major projects. These included progress on the Sammakka–Sarakka Project, funding for Seethamma Sagar and Sitarama Sagar, and efforts to stabilise Kaleshwaram’s distributary systems. Officials discussed desiltation plans, court cases, and the Irrigation Department’s budget utilisation.
Senior officials present included Advisor to Government Adityanath Das, Principal Secretary Rahul Bojja, Special Secretary Prashanth Jeevan Patil, and Engineer-in-Chief Mohd Amjed Hussain.