Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing key irrigation projects with strict adherence to timelines, technical transparency, and institutional accountability.

Speaking after a detailed review meeting with senior officials at the Telangana Secretariat on Tuesday, Uttam said the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Project, the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, and the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation scheme are top priorities for the state.

On the Thummidihetti component of the Pranahita–Chevella Project, engineering teams are evaluating two canal alignment options. One involves a 71.5-km gravity canal and a 14-km tunnel from Mylaram to Sundilla, while the second diverts water through Yellampalli with an intermediate pumping station. The comparative study will assess cost, hydraulic efficiency, topography, and energy needs. The final recommendation will be placed before the Cabinet by October 22, with preparatory work beginning immediately thereafter.

Uttam confirmed the government’s firm commitment to completing the SLBC tunnel by December 2027. Work will resume after the monsoon, aided by a helicopter-borne aerial magnetic survey by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to map underground rock formations for safer tunnelling. The 43-km tunnel is critical to delivering Krishna water to drought-prone regions and supporting thousands of acres of farmland. Fortnightly progress reviews will ensure all benchmarks are met, with administrative and technical bottlenecks promptly addressed.

Restoration of Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under Kaleshwaram will follow NDSA recommendations. The state has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for national institutions and expert organisations, with a premier IIT expected as the principal technical partner alongside the Chief Design Organisation (CDO). Pre-monsoon tests are complete, post-monsoon verification will follow, and full restoration design is expected within a year. Weekly progress reviews and meticulous documentation will ensure accountability.

On legal matters, Uttam reviewed Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II proceedings, directing officials to maintain detailed transcripts, coordinate with Delhi-based legal teams, and ensure consistent arguments. He also reviewed the Sammakka–Sarakka Project, Seethamma Sagar, Modikuntavagu, distributories of Chanaka–Korata and Chinna Kaleshwaram, and the Devadula Project, with approvals, fund releases, and land-acquisition compensation underway.

Additionally, Uttam instructed a comprehensive review of the Dindi Project, finalisation of draft policies for desiltation and desedimentation of reservoirs, strengthening of ISWR and CDO, recruitment of additional engineers, hardware upgrades, adoption of modern design software, maintenance of reservoirs at brim level, and telemetry-based monitoring until the end of the hydrological season.