Revanth Reddy seeks PM Modi's help on Telangana irrigation projects

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy seeks PM Modi's support to expedite state irrigation projects

By Pramod Chaturvedi, Hyderabad, November 15

He also requested the Centre to release funds under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and sanction an additional ₹5,000 crore under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASI).

The Chief Minister, who led a State delegation at PM Modi's residence in New Delhi, urged the Prime Minister to persuade the Maharashtra government to cooperate with Telangana in taking up the Tummidihetti barrage across the Pranhita River at a water level of 152 metres.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, State Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Sports and Youth Services Minister Vakiti Srihari were part of the delegation.

Briefing the Prime Minister on the progress of irrigation projects, Revanth Reddy explained the steps taken by his government since assuming office in December 2023, including the progress of works and payment of compensation to project-displaced families.

Referring to his recent meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Revanth Reddy said Telangana was prepared to provide adequate compensation to people affected by the proposed Tummidihetti barrage in Maharashtra. He urged the Prime Minister to convince the neighbouring State to facilitate the project, which would help supply water through gravity to meet the irrigation and drinking water requirements of backward and tribal regions of Telangana.

The Chief Minister also sought the Prime Minister's intervention in securing pending environmental and other statutory clearances for major projects, including the Dr. S. Jaipal Reddy Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS), Sitamma Sagar Multipurpose Project (SSMP) and Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme (DLIS).

He pointed out that the State had already incurred substantial expenditure on these projects, but their intended benefits, particularly the supply of drinking water, remained unrealised due to the delay in statutory approvals. Citing a recent favourable Supreme Court verdict on environmental clearances, he requested the Centre to ensure that the pending approvals were granted without further delay.

Revanth Reddy sought an additional ₹5,000 crore under SASI, stating that several projects were already between 70 and 90 per cent complete. The additional assistance during the current financial year would help complete the works quickly and extend irrigation facilities to new as well as stabilised command areas. This, he said, would boost farmers' incomes, generate rural employment and increase foodgrain production.

On the Sammakka Sagar project, the Chief Minister informed PM Modi that its Detailed Project Report had been submitted to the Central Water Commission. The State had also paid ₹9.88 crore towards a comprehensive survey to determine the Full Reservoir Level and assess the backwater impact on land and villages in Chhattisgarh.

He requested the Prime Minister to facilitate an early No Objection Certificate from Chhattisgarh, assuring that Telangana was committed to providing compensation for the land affected in the neighbouring State.

The Chief Minister also sought PMKSY funding for four irrigation projects: ₹5,183 crore for the integrated Sammakka Sagar-Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme, ₹392 crore for the Modikunta Vagu project, ₹171 crore for the Chinna Kaleshwaram project and ₹103 crore for the Chanaka-Korata barrage.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the inaugural and closing ceremonies of the 8th Khelo India Youth Games-2026, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from December 11 to 22.

Revanth Reddy presented a formal invitation and briefed the Prime Minister on the preparations for the national sporting event. More than 7,000 young athletes from across the country are expected to participate in 27 sporting disciplines. The Games will provide a platform for emerging talent to prepare for prestigious international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Telangana's experience in hosting major sporting events, including the National Games in 2002 and the Military World Games in 2007.

Earlier, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the official logo and mascot of the 8th Khelo India Youth Games-2026 at the Union Minister's official residence in New Delhi on Sunday.

— ANI