Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to accelerate RDS modernisation and ensure speedy implementation of Phase-II of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Chairing a review meeting at the State Secretariat, the minister examined issues related to the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS), Tungabhadra Dam operations and interstate water-sharing arrangements.
Engineers, water experts, senior officials and farmers from the RDS ayacut attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on the condition of irrigation infrastructure, pressure on Tungabhadra waters and the interests of farmers in the RDS command area spread across the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district.
Farmers seek urgent RDS modernisation measures
Farmer leaders led by former RDS chairman G. Sitarami Reddy submitted a detailed representation to the minister.
The delegation highlighted the poor condition of RDS headworks, unauthorised diversions by neighbouring states and declining storage in the Tungabhadra reservoir due to siltation.
They also sought long-term measures to safeguard Telangana’s rightful share of river waters.
Meanwhile, farmer representatives said several components of the irrigation system had exceeded their design life and required urgent rehabilitation.
They pointed to reduced canal carrying capacity, sediment accumulation, damaged structures and water losses affecting irrigation supplies.
Further, they noted that several expert committee recommendations remain pending.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the modernisation of the RDS could no longer be delayed.
He directed officials to prepare a roadmap for completing pending works, strengthening embankments and improving canal efficiency.
RDS modernisation and Tummilla Phase-II reviewed
The minister also reviewed Phase-II of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme.
He directed officials to prioritise land acquisition for the proposed Mallammakunta, Julakal and Vallur reservoirs.
These reservoirs are expected to create a gross storage capacity of about 2.12 TMC.
Officials informed the meeting that the Mallammakunta reservoir would affect about 567 acres.
Julakal and Vallur reservoirs would impact around 382 acres and 2,216 acres respectively.
Meanwhile, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed revenue authorities to engage with affected farmers and ensure fair compensation.
The minister also reviewed issues relating to assured water releases through the RDS canal system.
Telangana to safeguard Tungabhadra water rights
He made it clear that Telangana’s legitimate rights over Tungabhadra waters would not be compromised under any circumstances.
Further, he said the government would pursue all technical, legal and administrative measures required to protect the state’s interests.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also called for a stronger and more proactive role by Telangana’s representatives on the Tungabhadra Board.
He said they should closely monitor reservoir operations, canal management and infrastructure maintenance.
Additionally, the meeting discussed KC Canal releases, interstate coordination and implementation of tribunal awards.
The minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report covering technical findings, farmer concerns, legal issues and policy options for submission to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
The government will discuss issues related to RDS modernisation, Tungabhadra Dam safety and board operations with the Chief Minister shortly.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that protecting farmers dependent on the RDS system remains the government’s foremost priority.
He said Telangana would continue engaging with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and the Centre while firmly safeguarding its water rights and ensuring equitable utilisation of Tungabhadra waters.
Irrigation Secretary E. Sridhar, ENC General Ramesh Babu and other senior officials attended the review meeting.