Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has announced a fast-track plan to complete the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme within a year, focusing on removing land and forest clearance bottlenecks.

  • Target to complete the Devadula project within 12 months.
  • Irrigation benefits for approximately 6 lakh acres of land.
  • Focus on resolving Land Acquisition (LA) and Forest Clearance issues.
  • ₹5,000 crore special package announced by the CM for irrigation.

Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Tuesday that the Telangana government has decided to place the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme on a fast track. The primary objective is to complete this long-pending project within a single year to provide immediate relief to the farming community.

During a high-level review meeting in Hyderabad, the Minister expressed regret over the project's delay, noting that it was initiated nearly two decades ago but remained incomplete due to neglect by successive governments. He emphasized that the current administration is committed to addressing all impediments on a priority basis.

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Scope and Regional Impact

The Devadula project is designed to lift approximately 38 TMC of water from the Godavari River. Once fully operational, it will provide vital irrigation to nearly six-lakh acres across several key districts, including Hanumakonda, Warangal, Karimnagar, Jangaon, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Suryapet, Siddipet, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Mulugu, and Jayashankar Bhupalpally.

The swift execution of the Devadula scheme is critical to stabilizing the agrarian economy of Telangana's command areas.

Overcoming Implementation Bottlenecks

The review session, attended by Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and D. Seethakka, involved a component-by-component examination of the project. The discussions centered on resolving critical hurdles such as Land Acquisition (LA), Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), and forest-related clearances.

To ensure momentum, the Minister stated that funds would be released immediately upon the completion of land award procedures. He further noted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has committed a special package of ₹5,000 crore for ongoing irrigation projects, with ₹2,500 crore already disbursed.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the successful completion of the Devadula scheme will significantly mitigate water scarcity in the command areas, potentially increasing crop yields and stabilizing rural incomes. The optimization of existing pumping capacities ensures that the project maximizes the utility of the Godavari's resources.

Did You Know?: The Devadula scheme acts as a vital lifeline, transporting water from the perennial Godavari to rain-fed regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which districts will benefit from the Devadula project?
The project will benefit 10 districts, including Warangal, Karimnagar, and Medchal-Malkajgiri.

2. What is the total budget allocated for irrigation projects in Telangana?
The Chief Minister has announced a special package of ₹5,000 crore for irrigation projects under construction.