The CM directed officials to conduct regular field inspections.
A. Revanth Reddy with N. Uttam Kumar Reddy
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to release water for crops under various state irrigation projects as per the planned schedule. He emphasised the need to anticipate potential challenges arising from rising temperatures and take necessary precautions. He also alerted senior irrigation officials to remain vigilant over the next three months.
The CM directed officials to conduct regular field inspections, assess the situation on the ground, and implement solutions accordingly. He stressed that all necessary measures should be taken to ensure farmers do not face difficulties and that crops receive sufficient water to prevent drying out.
On Monday, CM Revanth Reddy, along with irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, held a review meeting at the Command Control Centre regarding water storage in reservoirs and the release of irrigation water for crops.
During the meeting, the CM reviewed water storage levels and usage details of major projects, including Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar, and SRSP. He directed officials to utilise the available water efficiently, ensuring there are no disruptions to both irrigation and drinking water supply.
The CM highlighted that the upcoming three months are crucial, as the demand for irrigation water, drinking water, and electricity will significantly increase across the state. He urged district collectors to take special initiatives to ensure uninterrupted water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes. He instructed them to hold immediate meetings with relevant officials and develop district-wise action plans.
The CM directed district collectors of areas under Nagarjunasagar and SRSP projects to immediately review crop conditions and water releases with their respective irrigation engineers. He also suggested that collectors personally inspect reservoirs, canals, and agricultural lands to assess water distribution.
To streamline coordination, he ordered Chief Secretary Shanthi Kumari to finalise an agenda and conduct a teleconference with all district collectors, providing necessary directives.
Regarding Krishna river water usage from Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar, the CM instructed irrigation officials to be highly vigilant. He stressed that Andhra Pradesh should not be allowed to draw more than its allocated quota.
The officials informed the CM that Andhra Pradesh has not cooperated in sharing the cost of implementing the telemetry system, which is essential to monitor and regulate water distribution. In response, the CM assured that the Telangana government would bear the full cost initially and directed irrigation principal secretary Rahul Bojja to immediately send a letter to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) to expedite the implementation of the telemetry system.
Revanth Reddy also reminded officials that the responsibility of monitoring water allocations and usage lies with the Central Water Commission. He instructed officials to formally complain to the central government, urging them to prevent Andhra Pradesh from unilaterally diverting excess water.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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