Centre warns Telangana over irrigation project delays
HYDERABAD: The Centre will restrict future funding under centrally sponsored schemes if states fail to utilise funds properly for three consecutive years, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti secretary Kantha Rao said.
He said irrigation command area development, modernisation, and water management under CADWM would play a key role in the coming years. He questioned why Telangana has not joined the programme and said the state could face difficulties if it continues to stay out.
A regional conference organised by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti was held at the Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute on Thursday. Representatives from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep attended.
Progress of schemes and safety reviewed
Kantha Rao reviewed the progress of centrally sponsored schemes, including floodplain zoning, drip irrigation, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), CADWM, and implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
He questioned delays in completing Devadula, Rajiv Bheema, and Palem Vagu projects under PMKSY.
He said the Centre is considering ranking states based on implementation of water resource reforms. The rankings may be given across five categories, including water conservation and regulation.
Kantha Rao will inspect the Devadula lift irrigation scheme on Friday. On the same day, National Dam Safety Authority chairman Anil Jain will inspect the Medigadda barrage under the Kaleshwaram project. Officials will review restoration measures based on expert recommendations.
Krishna tribunal award yet to be implemented
The Karnataka government said the Krishna Tribunal-II award has not been implemented even after 10 years due to the pending case in the Supreme Court. It urged the Centre to facilitate its implementation, stating that water allocations cannot be utilised fully without it.
Telangana seeks deadline extension
Telangana irrigation secretary E. Sridhar requested the Centre to extend the deadline for completing the Devadula lift irrigation scheme to next year under PMKSY. He said large-scale land acquisition and pending cases have delayed the project.
He said six projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme have been completed in the state, and three more are nearing completion. He suggested including Devadula and Palem Vagu in the 2026–30 financial period list.
He also sought central assistance under PMKSY for projects including Chanaka-Korata distributary system, Mukteshwar (Chinna Kaleshwaram) lift irrigation scheme, Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi, Makthal-Narayanpet-Kodangal lift irrigation scheme, Sitarama lift irrigation scheme, Palamuru-Rangareddy, and Mondikunta Vagu lift irrigation scheme. He said investment clearance has been granted for Chanaka-Korata and Mukteshwar.
