₹37 Crore Sanctioned for Modernisation of Nizam-Era Gangakatwa Canal
The project aims to improve irrigation for 3,300 acres across 11 villages in Sangareddy district, with work targeted for completion by 2028.
`37 crore had been sanctioned for the modernisation of the historic Gangakatwa irrigation canal, built during the reign of the seventh Nizam. The project is expected to improve irrigation facilities for around 3,300 acres of farmland across 11 villages in Sadasivpet mandal.
The canal, stretching about 16 km through Sadasivpet mandal, is connected to 28 tanks. Its modernisation is aimed at preventing water leakage, repairing damaged stretches and ensuring that irrigation water reaches the tail-end farmers.
The proposed works include canal lining, repairs to damaged sections, restoration of sluices, widening of bridges and strengthening of canal banks. Officials were asked to prepare estimates to address problems reported by farmers in several villages, including Chandapur, Potpalli, Yenkepalli and Atmakur.
TPCC working president, former MLA T.Jayaprakash Jagga Reddy inspected the Gangakatwa project at Sooraram village and held a review meeting with irrigation officials, farmers from the canal's command area and local leaders on Wednesday.
He thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, C. Damodar Rajanarsimha and G. Vivek Venkataswamy for their support in securing the funds. He said he had been pursuing the proposal with the irrigation minister for the past two years.
Jagga Reddy also said proposals were being prepared for the construction of seven check dams across a stream feeding the project. He asked officials to examine the feasibility of desilting the stream and reservoir to improve water flow and storage.
He directed officials to complete the tender process by December and prepare a schedule to finish the works by 2028. He said he would revisit the project in December to review progress and strive to have the completed works inaugurated by the Chief Minister in June 2028.
Emphasising farmers' interests, Jagga Reddy said the works should be taken up expeditiously, with priority given to irrigation needs rather than contractors' interests. During the visit, he also inspected the canal closely and took a dip in its waters.
