Green Channel Funds to Complete Irrigation Projects Quickly: CM Revanth

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday instructed finance department officials to open green channel payments for work on irrigation projects that are nearing completion in order to ensure faster irrigation to more acreage before the start of the Kharif crop season.

Reddy said projects in the Godavari and Krishna basins on which 75 per cent or more work had been done should be the priority for completion to bring them on stream.

“By doing so more ayacut can be irrigated before the next Kharif. Take quick and prompt action to remove any hurdles. Officials from irrigation, power and revenue departments should hold joint meetings to discuss any emerging issues, including land acquisition, and find solutions and prepare action plans for project completion,” the Chief Minister said.

The top priority, he said, should be for projects that can begin providing irrigation in the next six months. Focus should be on projects that can be fully completed in the next two years, and not chase those which will require five years or more as spending right now should be on those that can be turned around quickly, he added.

Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Tummala Nageswara Rao, and principal secretaries of finance and irrigation departments, Ramakrishna Rao and Rahul Bojja, and senior officials took part in the discussions.

Reacting to a submission that the irrigation department was facing challenges with respect to dues it owes to Transco and Discoms, Revanth Reddy suggested that irrigation officials meet officials from the utilities to find a way forward.

“Irrigation engineers played a crucial role in the Telangana movement and they should take note of the fact that their jobs are vital for the progress of the state. Water is not just a commodity but an emotion for the people. Officials should be on field and not locked up in their offices,” he said.

On land acquisition, the Chief Minister urged the officials to adopt a humane approach and discuss the issues with people whose lands are being sought for the project, by taking assistance from elected representatives.

Irrigation officials gave a presentation on Chinna Kaleshwaram, Modikuntavagu, lower Penganga, Chanaka Korata, Devadula lift irrigation scheme, Sripada Yellampalli, Koilsagar, Kalwakurthy lift irrigation scheme, SLBC tunnel, Dindi lift, SRSP II and Sadarmet barrage.

They informed Revanth Reddy that these, along with a couple of other projects, are among those that can be completed fast.

Later, the Chief Minister discussed each project related issue via videoconference with irrigation officials working on these projects. He asked them to discuss the issue of siltation at various irrigation projects and the best methods to attend to the problem.

Bojja informed that a recent study found that on an average all the irrigation projects were 25 per cent silted up.