N. Uttam Kumar Reddy,Irrigation Minister of Telangana, assured that state's rights to Tungabhadra River waters will stay protected. He stressed Congress government's commitment to using every technical,legal and administrative tool to defend these rights.
At a review meeting,Reddy urged officials with Tungabhadra Board to take more proactive role in managing reservoir operations and canal infrastructure. He emphasized need for fair water distribution among basin-sharing states.
Meeting tackled key issues like Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS),Tungabhadra Dam operations,and urgent modernization needs of irrigation system . Reddy called for quick action on modernization efforts, aligning with expert committee's recommendations,and pushed for fast-tracking Phase II of Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Concerns about worsening irrigation infrastructure and rising demand on Tungabhadra waters were raised,with direct impacts on farmers in RDS ayacut,especially in former Mahabubnagar district. Farmer leaders,led by ex-RDS Chairman G. Sitarami Reddy,presented detailed concerns over poor RDS headworks,unauthorized diversions by neighbors,and falling water storage due to siltation.
Regarding Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme,Reddy said land acquisition for proposed Mallammakunta,Julakal,and Vallur reservoirs should be prioritized. These reservoirs,part of Phase II,aim to boost gross storage by about 2.12 TMC. Mallammakunta reservoir will submerge around 567 acres,while Julakal and Vallur will affect about 382 acres and 2,216 acres,respectively.
