On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the Telangana State government plans to expedite the completion of the J. Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme. This initiative aims to address all outstanding bills and fast-track the remaining construction work.
Accompanied by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Mr. Vikramarka assessed the project’s progress by visiting the site in Kannaigudem mandal of Mulugu district. The ministers conducted inspections of various facilities, including pumping stations and water storage areas, to evaluate ongoing work under the irrigation scheme.
While speaking to the media following the review, Mr. Vikramarka took the opportunity to criticise the previous BRS government regarding the state of the Kaleshwaram project barrages. He highlighted the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages as particularly concerning, noting that both the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) have advised against storing water until necessary repairs are made.
He also mentioned that given the expected lower rainfall and potential El Niño conditions, the government is implementing precautionary measures. A critical part of this plan is to fill all 22 reservoirs connected to the Devadula project and enhance the utilization of water from the Godavari River.
Out of the total budget of ₹146 crore, ₹58 crore is allocated for land acquisition, ₹74 crore for unfinished project work, and ₹14 crore for maintenance. Mr. Vikramarka assured that funds will be readily available for these efforts and that all outstanding matters—including land acquisition and technical challenges—will be resolved promptly.
He reiterated the government’s goal of utilizing the project’s designed capacity of 38.16 TMC fully to provide sufficient irrigation to the entire ayacut. Additionally, he stated that all 10 pumps in the Devadula system will be activated, ensuring a steady supply of irrigation and drinking water to nearly 12 districts in the Godavari basin.
Highlighting the importance of the Devadula and Sita Rama Lift Irrigation projects, Mr. Vikramarka stressed that these initiatives are on track for prompt completion to secure a reliable water supply for farmers, particularly in the former Warangal and Khammam districts.
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy reinforced that the Devadula project is a top priority for the government. He shared that a detailed review has been conducted addressing land acquisition, pending work, pumping capabilities, and reservoir levels, with directives issued to activate all ten pumps within days.
Furthermore, he noted that water is already being pumped into various reservoirs at different stages of completion, emphasizing that initiatives are in place to ensure all 22 reservoirs achieve maximum capacity.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy added that the scheme is designed to provide irrigation for approximately 6.14 lakh acres, predominantly benefiting the ayacut situated in the former Warangal region.
