Uttam Kumar Reddy pushes for fast-track execution of irrigation projects, SLBC tunnel division formed
Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday directed senior engineers to accelerate all major irrigation works in Telangana, including the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS). The government aims to fast-track various irrigation projects Telangana desperately needs. He also announced the formation of a dedicated division to monitor and execute the long-pending Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project.
At a high-level review meeting held in Hyderabad, Reddy urged officials to follow procedures strictly and ensure complete transparency in project implementation. Engineer-in-Chiefs, Chief Engineers, Executive Engineers, and Principal Secretary for Irrigation Rahul Bojja were present.
Dedicated division for SLBC tunnel as stalled work resumes
The Minister confirmed that the dismantling of the stuck Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) inside the SLBC tunnel had been completed. He said rail track repairs were already underway and asked officials to expedite the remaining tasks. A standalone division will now oversee the entire SLBC tunnel work.
He stressed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had committed sufficient funds to complete all priority projects and warned that the government would take strict action against any procedural violations.
Tummidihetti barrage DPR, PRLIS works under active monitoring
Reviewing the Tummidihetti barrage project, Reddy said survey work for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was nearing completion. Topographical and cross-section surveys along the Wardha and Wainganga rivers have been finished. He urged officials to finalise the DPR quickly to avoid further delays.
On PRLIS, he asked Principal Secretary Rahul Bojja to conduct regular progress reviews and keep the pace of work consistent.
Kaleshwaram barrages to get rehab designs in 30 days
Reddy also reviewed the rehabilitation status of the Kaleshwaram project barrages Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla. A three-member team began testing at Medigadda, while the remaining barrages will undergo tests starting January 22. He set a strict deadline of one month to complete and submit all rehabilitation designs.
Citing a recent Supreme Court directive that allows post-facto environmental clearances for large ongoing projects, the Minister urged teams to move faster on securing pending approvals. He confirmed the issue would be escalated to the Prime Minister’s Office following discussions with the Chief Minister.
Reddy flagged the growing issue of siltation in major reservoirs, particularly the Sriramsagar Project. He noted that its storage capacity has declined from 112 TMC to below 90 TMC due to repeated flooding and sediment accumulation. He instructed all Executive Engineers to submit desiltation proposals without delay, warning that storage losses were directly affecting Telangana’s water entitlements.