Devadula project within a year: Uttam

■ CM Revanth Reddy has directed focused action to remove bottlenecks and complete the long-pending project

■ Minister assures immediate funds for land acquisition, R&R and forest-related issues once procedures are completed

■ Maximum pumping of Godavari water planned to serve nearly six lakh acres across several districts

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday said the Telangana government had decided to fast-track the long-pending Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme and complete it within the next year.

Addressing the media after reviewing the project, Uttam said the meeting was held on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s directions to give Devadula special attention and remove all impediments to its completion.

Describing Devadula as a historic project, Uttam said it was designed to lift about 38 TMC of Godavari water and provide irrigation to nearly six lakh acres across districts including Hanumakonda, Warangal, Karimnagar, Jangaon, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Suryapet, Siddipet, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Mulugu and Jayashankar Bhupalpally.

The review examined the project component-wise and identified bottlenecks, particularly those related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) and forest clearances. Uttam said funds would be released immediately wherever land acquisition and award procedures had been completed.

He said the Chief Minister had assured a special package of Rs 6,000 crore for ongoing irrigation projects across Telangana, of which about Rs 2,500 crore had already been released. Devadula had also recently received funds for land acquisition, with the remaining requirements to be met as procedures were completed.

Uttam stressed that compensation for acquired land must reach affected farmers and beneficiaries without delay. Following a video conference with District Collectors and Chief Engineers, the Irrigation and Revenue Departments, Collectors and engineers were directed to coordinate closely to prevent delays.

Another key decision was to maximise pumping from the Godavari through the Devadula system. All available pumping facilities will be operated optimally to convey maximum water to the project’s command areas and reservoirs.

The review also discussed practical solutions to clear the remaining obstacles and accelerate construction. Revenue, Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya ‘Seethakka’, Chief Minister’s Adviser Vem Narender Reddy, MPs Porika Balram Naik and other public representatives from the project region, along with senior irrigation officials and engineers, attended the meeting.