Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana's Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, announced that the state government has reviewed cost-efficient alternatives for reviving the Dr. B R Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi project. The aim is to ensure the project’s technical feasibility and financial sustainability while addressing environmental concerns.

During a review meeting on Monday at the Secretariat, Uttam Kumar Reddy explained that the government is considering a revised alignment through the Sundilla Link, which could reduce project costs by 10 to 12 percent. This new plan could also lower land acquisition needs by nearly 50 percent, saving an estimated Rs 1,500 to 1,600 crore compared to the original proposal. The new alignment would also avoid the coal-bearing geological zones that had caused significant delays in the previous route.

The Minister emphasized that the government’s primary goal was to restructure the long-delayed project in a way that balances technical soundness, fiscal prudence, and environmental responsibility, while continuing to serve its original purpose—bringing Godavari water to Telangana’s upland and drought-prone areas.

The revised alignment was identified as a practical, environmentally friendly solution capable of addressing previous challenges related to coal deposits, and it would make better use of existing infrastructure.

Initially, the project involved drawing water from the Pranahita River at the Tummidihatti Barrage and channeling it through a 71-kilometer canal to the Yellampalli Barrage. However, this plan faced major hurdles when coal seams were found along the proposed route, increasing tunneling costs and risks.

The new proposal suggests a direct connection between Tummidihatti and Sundilla Barrages, bypassing the coal zones entirely. Early departmental studies suggest this route is technically feasible and more economical, though final confirmation will come after a detailed DPR and site verification.

Shifting the alignment to Sundilla could shorten canal lengths, simplify construction, and reduce the need for extensive environmental clearances. The Minister further instructed the Irrigation Department to revalidate previous surveys and conduct updated geotechnical and topographical studies to ensure the revised plan’s feasibility.

Officials informed the Minister that the updated alignment could save up to Rs 1,600 crore, primarily through shorter construction projects, reduced excavation, and the reuse of existing infrastructure. Additionally, the revised plan could cut land acquisition costs by half, significantly reducing compensation and environmental mitigation expenses.