Govt sets 2027 deadline for Devadula Project: Uttam Reddy

Officials reported that while major structures, pump houses and tunnels are largely complete, delays persist in canal lining, distributary works, litigation issues and land acquisition. 

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has put officials and implementing agencies on strict notice over delays in the execution of the J. Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme, reaffirming the December 31, 2027 deadline for its completion. He called for urgent, coordinated action and warned against any further slippages in one of Telangana’s largest irrigation projects.

During a comprehensive review meeting at the Secretariat, the Minister noted that 87.7 per cent of the project works have been completed and directed departments to accelerate remaining works on a war footing. The Rs 18,400-crore project, originally estimated at Rs 6,016 crore in 2004–05, has seen cost escalation due to inflation, design revisions, GST changes, land compensation and additional works. So far, Rs 14,422 crore has been spent, with Rs 3,978 crore still required.

The scheme aims to irrigate 5.57 lakh acres across 10 districts, including Hanumakonda, Warangal, Jangaon, Yadadri Bhongir, Suryapet, Siddipet, Mahabubabad, Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Karimnagar. It is designed to lift 38.16 TMC of Godavari water and includes 20 pump houses, 642 km of pipelines, 57.16 km of tunnels, 306 km of main canals, 2,185 km of distributaries and 20 reservoirs. It also features Asia’s longest 49-km D-shaped irrigation tunnel, with a power requirement of 495.55 MW, alongside Sammakka Barrage integration for year-round water availability.

Officials reported that while major structures, pump houses and tunnels are largely complete, delays persist in canal lining, distributary works, litigation issues and land acquisition. A 700-metre canal stretch near Bollikunta is stalled due to a court case.

Phase-wise progress includes Phase-I irrigation potential of 1.23 lakh acres, Phase-II at 1.93 lakh acres and Phase-III at 2.39 lakh acres. Package-45 is complete, Package-46 is 96.86 per cent done, while Phase-III remains the most challenging after a contractor’s agreement was cancelled and re-awarded.

Out of 34,622 acres required, 31,963 acres have been acquired, with 2,659 acres still pending. The Minister directed speedy resolution of land acquisition and compensation. He also noted that 39,651 acres under proposed ayacut may be deleted due to urbanisation after verification.

Uttam Reddy instructed officials to retender stalled works, close inactive contracts and ensure no administrative delays hinder progress, reiterating full government support to meet the 2027 deadline.