Scientific De-siltation strategy needed for Telangana projects: Uttam Kumar Reddy

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to develop a scientific, practical and sustainable desiltation model for Telangana's major irrigation projects, with the twin objectives of restoring lost storage capacity and strengthening flood protection measures.

During a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, the Minister emphasized that restoring the original storage capacities of key reservoirs in the Godavari and Krishna river basins was essential for improving water security, enhancing irrigation potential and minimizing flood risks. He said desiltation should be treated as a long term investment in reservoir management and water conservation rather than a one time exercise.

Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to undertake a detailed study of de-siltation models implemented in other states and examine successful practices that could be adapted to Telangana's conditions. He also directed them to review national guidelines and frameworks issued by the Central Government on reservoir de-siltation and sediment management.

Highlighting the importance of preventive measures, the Minister referred to severe floods in Punjab last year, which affected 16 of the state's 22 districts and resulted in nearly Rs 2,000 crore being spent on damages and compensation. He noted that systematic desiltation and restoration of storage and drainage capacities could significantly reduce such losses.

The Minister cited the Mangalam Dam de-siltation project in Kerala's Palakkad district as a successful example of scientifically planned reservoir restoration. He said the project not only addressed sedimentation issues but also generated economic benefits through the productive utilization of excavated material. Telangana, he said, should explore similar innovative approaches.

Uttam Kumar Reddy reviewed the progress of de-siltation works at the Kaddam Project, Lower Manair Dam and Mid Manair Reservoir. He directed officials to identify solutions to operational bottlenecks and accelerate ongoing works. He also instructed the Chief Engineers of the Sri Ram Sagar Project and Nizam Sagar Project to assess de-siltation requirements and submit recommendations for restoring lost storage capacity.

Reiterating the government's commitment to scientific reservoir management, the Minister said de-siltation would play a crucial role in flood moderation, irrigation sustainability and water conservation. The Engineer in Chief (O&M) will lead the statewide de-siltation initiative.