Uttam Kumar Reddy Launches Ramagundam Lift Scheme, Opposes Banakacherla Project

Quick Summary:

• Event: Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy inaugurated the Ramagundam Lift Irrigation Scheme at Goliwada village, Peddapalli district.
• Project Details: Built at ₹75 crore, the scheme aims to irrigate over 13,000 acres in Anthergaon mandal and neighboring villages.
• Andhra Pradesh Dispute: Reddy termed Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Banakacherla irrigation project “illegal,” citing violations of the Andhra Pradesh State reorganisation Act and Telangana’s water rights.
• Government Actions: The proposal was rejected by the Central Expert Appraisal Committee following objections; complaints were lodged with various statutory bodies like Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) and Central water Commission (CWC).
• KLIP Criticism: Reddy criticized Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), citing excessive costs blamed on financial mismanagement under the BRS-led state government. He alleged no irrigation benefit in areas surrounding KLIP barrages such as Manthani constituency.
• Structural concerns identified: The National Dam Safety Authority highlighted deficiencies in KLIP’s barrages that could lead to village submergence near Bhadrachalam if water levels rise.
• Additional Initiatives: ₹1.1 crore sanctioned for preparing a Detailed project Report for Pathipaka reservoir in Peddapalli district; ration cards distributed to eligible residents during a separate meeting.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The inauguration of Ramagundam Lift Irrigation Scheme reflects Telangana’s ongoing efforts to enhance its irrigation capabilities amid inter-state disputes over water sharing. While addressing local agricultural needs through projects like this could boost rural livelihoods,persistent legal conflicts regarding river management with Andhra Pradesh underscore deeper challenges tied to state reorganization policies.

The criticisms leveled against KLIP highlight concerns about governance openness and engineering safety standards in large-scale projects-issues vital for public accountability and fiscal prudence. Reports from national authorities like NDSA offer impartial insights that warrant robust corrective measures from relevant stakeholders.

Telangana’s proactive measures, such as allocating funds for new reservoirs or lodging objections against contested neighboring projects, emphasize its focus on protecting regional interests; however, cooperative dialogue with Andhra Pradesh might be indispensable for long-term resolution of river-sharing disputes under federal guidelines.

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