Bhatti Promises Fast-track for Devadula Works
Bhatti instructed officials to take necessary actions to ensure the project can provide water for two crop seasons each year, thereby preventing difficulties for farmers.
Warangal: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the state government is prioritising the swift completion of the Devadula lift irrigation project and this initiative aims to provide irrigation facilities to 17 Assembly constituencies within the project's catchment area.
Accompanied by other ministers, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Vakiti Srihari, and Seethakka, Bhatti conducted an on-site inspection of the Sammakka Sagar barrage at Tupakulagudem in Kannaigudem mandal on Sunday. Following the inspection, he held a review meeting with irrigation officials in Mulugu district.
During his address, Bhatti said that the state government will need land valued at ₹67 crore for the project and would release funds in phases. He instructed officials to take necessary actions to ensure the project can provide water for two crop seasons each year, thereby preventing difficulties for farmers. Initially, the project was designed to irrigate 5 lakh acres, but it has now been expanded to cover 6 lakh acres. The project's capacity was previously set at 38 tmc ft, but it must now be increased to about 78 to 80 tmc ft. He urged the irrigation minister to consider this adjustment and make an appropriate decision.
Irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the state government is dedicated to completing all phases of the project. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with the Chhattisgarh government to provide compensation for areas submerged under their jurisdiction. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to collaborate with district collectors to expedite the land acquisition process and assured that funds would be released for compensation.
Panchayat raj minister Seethakka emphasised the need for adequate compensation for farmers who lost their lands due to the Tupakulagudem and Devadula barrages. She also pointed out that the lifts installed on the canals at Mangapet, Kannaigudem, and Eturnagaram are not functioning properly, leading to a shortage of drinking water supply. Seethakka requested a plan to supply irrigation water to Kothagudem by channeling water to Narsampet through the Pakala canal.