Kurnool: The Andhra Pradesh government has started the process for obtaining environmental clearance for the ₹3,829 crore Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS), which will be constructed on backwaters of Krishna River.
Conceived by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government in August 2020, the RLIS is designed to provide assured water to approximately 19 lakh acres of land in four districts of Rayalaseema – Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, and Chittoor.
However, in December 2021, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the AP government to halt all work on the lift scheme in the absence of a mandatory environmental clearance. Officials have now started laying the groundwork for obtaining the environmental clearance. Their primary focus will be to emphasise that the scheme is to meet drinking water needs of people.
NGT had issued orders halting work on RLIS after a person from Telangana filed a petition alleging violation of rules by the AP government while taking up the scheme. The tribunal then halted work and set up a committee to examine whether the detailed project report prepared by the state is strictly in accordance with the norms prescribed by the Central Water Commission and the Geological Survey of India.
“The aim of the scheme is to address drought conditions in Rayalaseema region. It will draw 3 TMC of water per day at Sangameswaram using pumps during the flood days, to utilise the rightful share of 114 TMC of water allotted to AP. However, the Telangana government has objected to this project, asserting that it would be detrimental to its interests,” said an official from the water resources wing.
Post the NGT order, the RLIS remained at standstill since then. Now, officials are devising a strategic approach to obtain the environmental clearance by emphasising that the key reason for the project is to provide drinking water to the backward Rayalaseema region.
"Our priority is to obtain clearance for the project based on 800 feet level of the Srisailam Reservoir during flood days. Once we secure this clearance, we can proceed with the remaining aspects of the project,” explained water resources chief engineer Kabir Basha.
The Muchumarri Lift Irrigation Scheme, a crucial component of Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project, has the potential to provide irrigation facilities to only 6 lakh acres of land in the drought prone Rayalaseema districts. Its current capacity stands at 4,850 cusecs. Local farmers and associations are now urging the government for the swift completion of RLIS.
"We are demanding a stable water supply in the region because local farmers are encountering difficulties in cultivation. Without it, there could be severe problems even for drinking water during drought conditions. We urge the YSRC government to commence work on it promptly by resolving any outstanding issues as soon as possible," said district secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham.
