Telangana government fast-tracks key irrigation projects including Tummadihatti and SLBC

Hyderabad: Telangana's Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister, Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, announced on Tuesday that the state government is prioritizing the completion of critical, pending irrigation projects with a strong focus on time-bound implementation, institutional accountability, and technical transparency. Following a detailed review meeting with senior officials at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, the Minister outlined aggressive timelines and plans for major works, including the construction of the Tummadihatti barrage component of the Pranahita–Chevella project, the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, and the restoration of the Kaleshwaram barrages.

Tummadihatti and SLBC on fast track

The government is moving quickly on the Tummadihatti component of the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Project. Engineering teams are currently evaluating two alternative canal alignments: one involving a gravity canal and tunnel from Mylaram to Sundilla, and a second route diverting water through Yellampalli with an intermediate pumping station.

Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to complete a comparative technical and financial analysis of both options within two weeks, with the final route decision expected by October 22. The chosen recommendation will be placed before the Cabinet for immediate approval and preparatory work.

The Minister also firmly committed to completing the crucial Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project by December 2027. Describing the 43-kilometer tunnel as a "lifeline project for the southern districts," he stated that progress is being reviewed fortnightly. Work is set to restart after the current monsoon under revised estimates. A vital aerial magnetic survey by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), which requires forthcoming DGCA permission, will map underground rock structures to guide safer tunnel alignment corrections.

Kaleshwaram barrages restoration

Restoration of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme will be conducted strictly in accordance with the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report recommendations. The state has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for national institutions and expert organizations to participate.