Kaleshwaram approval: CM K Chandrasekhar Rao to visit Delhi

HYDERABAD: With the Central Water Commission (CWC) and other agencies raising objections and delaying the sanctions for the irrigation projects especially Kaleshwaram, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday announced that he would go to Delhi to meet the ministers concerned for getting approvals for the projects.

With the CWC declaring the redesigned Kaleshwaram a new project and asking the State to obtain permission afresh, the CM has decided to embark on the yatra.

Rao, who held a day-long review on irrigation projects at Pragathi Bhavan here, said, “For getting forest and other such clearances, if need be, I will personally go to Delhi and meet the ministers concerned”. “Speed up construction works of the projects. Proper strategies should be implemented to overcome the obstacles,” Rao said to irrigation officials.

The State government decided to meet its deadline and provide irrigation water to the proposed ayacut under Kaleshwaram project by March, 2018. The CM directed the officials to complete the works on lifting of water before the completion of Medigadda barrage.

The farmers would get water before next Assembly elections by fixing electric motors to lift the water wherever necessary.

Rao directed them to complete the works relating to lifting of water by March 2018. “Water should be provided by next Kharif season under Kaleshwaram project,” the CM told officials.

“Take up construction works to supply water from Medigadda to Yellampally, Yellampally to Mid Manair, and Mid Manair to Mallanna Sagar. Water should be diverted through Flood flow Canal to Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP) canal. Desilt the channels,” Rao directed the officials.

The CM also told the officials that without waiting for the total completion of major projects, river water should be diverted to the irrigation tanks. This would help increase the ground water table and save power.

Chinese model to be studied

The State government will study the Chinese lift irrigation  model schemes to implement its plans and complete lift irrigation projects at the earliest.  “A team consisting of engineers and officials led by Irrigation Minister should visit China and study the projects,” Rao said.