Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has instructed officials to fast-track all irrigation project approvals with the Centre by promptly providing necessary data and reports.With the Central Water Commission meeting scheduled for Sept 23 to decide on water allocation and technical advisory committee clearances for the Sammakka-Sarakka project, the minister directed officials to submit the simulation report on ayacut immediately and secure a no-objection certificate from Chhattisgarh, which has already received the submergence report. He also asked that investment clearance applications for projects like Sita Rama Sagar, Modikuntavagu, Chanaka-Korata distributary systems, and Chinna Kaleshwaram be completed within a week to approach the Centre for funding under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. During a review meeting, Uttam urged senior officials to accelerate progress across all ongoing projects, emphasising the need for ‘visible results’ as the govt marks two years in office this Dec. On restoring the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, the minister reaffirmed that rehabilitation work will follow the National Dam Safety Authority guidelines, with reputed institutions like IITs engaged for structural tests once floodwaters recede. He also pushed for progress on the BR Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella project, calling it a Congress manifesto promise, and asked for a revised detailed project report and draft proposal to be prepared immediately in coordination with Maharashtra.Highlighting priority projects such as Palamuru-Rangareddy, Jurala, Kalwakurthy, and others, Uttam underscored Telangana’s leadership in reservoir desiltation. He noted that desiltation could generate ₹500 crore annually, potentially rising to Rs 3,000 crore-Rs 4,000 crore if extended to all reservoirs.
