Accumulation of silt has reduced the water holding capacity of the project, says Kadiyam

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will launch the modernisation of Sriramsagar Project (SRSP) on August 10 at Pochampad near Balkonda in Nizamabad district.

The work, being taken up at a cost of ₹ 191 crore, would help augment the project, said Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari here on Tuesday. Speaking to newsmen, he said SRSP was supposed to irrigate 16 lakh acres besides catering to the drinking water needs of six districts in Telangana State. However, due to silt accumulation and an obsolete canal system, it was irrigating only five lakh acres.

The State government plans to keep SRSP full throughout the year by filling it with one TMC of water from Kaleswaram project. “As against the 112 tmcft capacity, the SRSP is currently holding only 85 tmcft due to silt accumulation,” Mr Srihari said.

Similarly, to augment the Devadula lift irrigation project, it was decided to construct a barrage on river Godavari at Tupakulagudem in Etunagaram mandal. It would hold 22 tmcft of water and make water available at Devadula to lift water all the time. Presently, pumping at Devadula could only be done only during monsoon season.

Mr Srihari said it was decided to ensure one huge reservoir in each district to cater to the irrigation and drinking water needs of people. The State government had sanctioned one reservoir at Malkapuram – Lingampally villages in Warangal district with a capacity of 10.78 tmcft. It is estimated to cost ₹ 4,000 crore.

The reservoir would be filled up with Devadula waters and available to people in city. “Warangal city is fast developing with Textile Park and new educational institutions. The drinking water requirement will be more in the days to come. The reservoir will also cater to irrigation needs in urban constituencies as well,” he said.

Besides launching the works at Pochampad, the Chief Minister will address a public meeting. Around five lakh farmers from different districts are expected to take part. “I appeal to the Opposition parties and people to welcome the initiatives of the State government and come up with constructive suggestions rather than unreasonable criticism,” Mr Srihari said.