Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy promised to complete and operationalise Devadula Phase-VI during the present government’s term.
He said the project would bring Godavari water to Tungaturthi constituency in Suryapet district and strengthen irrigation facilities for farmers.
Uttam Kumar Reddy made the announcement while unfurling the National Flag at the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Suryapet on Saturday.
The Minister said the Telangana government had made the completion and full operation of the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme a major priority.
Devadula is a major irrigation system designed to benefit nine districts. Meanwhile, the government was working to remove bottlenecks and complete its remaining components, Uttam said.
He said the government wanted the huge investments already made in Devadula to deliver assured irrigation benefits to farmers.
“I am giving my word to the people of Suryapet. Devadula Phase-VI will be completed and operationalised within the present government’s term. We will bring Godavari waters through Devadula to provide irrigation to Tungaturthi constituency,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
Devadula Phase-VI key to improving irrigation in Tungaturthi
The Minister said Devadula Phase-VI held particular importance for Tungaturthi. Agriculture in the constituency had traditionally depended substantially on rainfall, local water sources and changing seasonal availability.
Therefore, bringing Godavari water to the constituency would provide a more dependable irrigation source. It would also help stabilise the existing ayacut and create scope to extend irrigation to underserved areas.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said Suryapet district currently had an ayacut of about 5.82 lakh acres. Accordingly, the government was pursuing immediate water management measures along with long-term infrastructure development.
These measures would help protect and strengthen the district’s agricultural base, he said.
Given the prevailing rainfall and reservoir storage position, drinking water would receive first priority. The government would use the remaining available water prudently and through a planned approach.
At the same time, officials were continuously reviewing water availability in Nagarjuna Sagar, SRSP Stage-II, Musi and other systems, Uttam said.
The government was therefore focusing on the remaining Devadula components while monitoring available water resources. Devadula Phase-VI would remain a priority during the present government’s term.