Hyderabad: Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed the Telangana Government’s commitment to reviving and constructing the Tummadihatti Project. “I and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will visit Maharashtra next month to meet its CM and irrigation officials to discuss and finalise the levels. This summer, we will resume the works at Tummadihatti,” he declared.
He was responding to a series of questions on Tummadihatti and Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project (LIP) during the Question Hour in the Telangana Legislative Council on Monday.
Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the Pranahitha-Chevella Project would be completed at the earliest. He confirmed that the government is committed to constructing the project at Tummadihatti, and discussions with Maharashtra’s leadership will ensure a smooth finalisation of technical aspects.
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In response to a query, the minister informed that pump houses were not built at the proper height, making them vulnerable to submergence during heavy floods. He further stated that various alternative proposals regarding the Tummadihatti Project’s role in supplying water to Yellampalli are still under examination.
Replying to a query on the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP), Uttam Kumar Reddy said that work is in progress. The main canal has been completed up to 104 km out of the total 114 km, including three pump houses. Additionally, 50% of the Sathupally Trunk Canal and 32% of the Palair Link Canal have been completed.
He explained that the estimated project cost had increased from Rs 13,057 crore to Rs 19,465 crore due to several factors. The original DPR did not account for land acquisition for distributory networks, nor did it include the cost of establishing electrical substations. Additionally, the increase in GST from 4% to 8% significantly impacted the overall project cost.
Despite the increase, the government is expediting the process to complete the project within two years, ensuring irrigation for seven lakh acres in the erstwhile Khammam district. Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed that Sitarama Sagar is a prestigious project for the Telangana Government, and all necessary steps are being taken for its early completion.
Paddy Procurement: Rs 12,511 Crore Paid, No Pending Dues
Replying to a different question, Uttam Kumar Reddy informed the Legislative Council that Telangana produced 156.20 LMTs of paddy during the Kharif Season 2024-25, of which 53.93 LMTs were procured from farmers. He confirmed that Rs 12,511.76 crore had been paid to farmers, and there were no pending dues under the MSP operations.
He noted that paddy cultivation had significantly increased, with farmers preferring fine-quality paddy varieties. However, he admitted that an extension of the crop season by 20 days created irrigation challenges. Despite government efforts to promote alternative crops, he acknowledged that farmers continued to prefer paddy cultivation.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the government’s commitment to completing key irrigation projects and ensuring that farmers receive timely support through procurement and irrigation initiatives.
