metro india news  I hyderabad

Irrigation and & Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy exhorted officials to focus on small lift irrigation schemes.  He stressed that small schemes are more effective in serving farmers and instructed officials to ensure they are fully functional by prioritising necessary repairs and related works to achieve the ayacut of 469,138 acres. He held a review meeting on the Nagarjuna Sagar project held at Jala Soudha on Tuesday.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also highlighted that there are approximately 334 lift irrigation schemes, either fully operational or partially functional, with a combined ayacut of 469,138 acres. He directed officials to prioritise the restoration of all these projects to their full capacity, with a special focus on small lift irrigation schemes in terms of fund allocation and implementation.

The minister emphasised that, while major irrigation schemes require significant capital investment and recurring costs, smaller schemes demand comparatively lower funds and maintenance costs while offering a better cost-benefit ratio. 

The minister also said that the Government was implementing measures to strengthen the Nagarjuna Sagar dam while expanding its ayacut. He also urged the Nalgonda District Collector to expedite land acquisition for various irrigation projects in the district.