Hyderabad Government Evaluates Multiple Routes for Tummidihatti-Yellampalli Water Link

Hyderabad — State authorities are examining four separate route options for a proposed water link connecting Tummidihatti to Yellampalli, aimed at enhancing water extraction from the Godavari River, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Wednesday.

The minister outlined the alignment proposals during a preparatory session with government officials ahead of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's scheduled review of irrigation initiatives. RV Associates and IIT Hyderabad have been tasked with evaluating the different options, with their combined assessment already submitted to the state administration.

Officials are currently assessing all four proposals on the basis of technical feasibility, implementation costs, and operational efficiency. A final determination on which alignment to pursue will be made following the Chief Minister's comprehensive review meeting.

The state government has pledged to advance the Pranahita-Chevella project as outlined in its election commitments, with detailed plans already in place. "We are undertaking all necessary measures to channel water from Thummidihatti to Yellampally so that irrigation reaches hundreds of thousands of acres," Uttam Kumar Reddy stated.

Each proposed alignment is being evaluated for its associated expenses, benefits, and potential drawbacks, the minister added.

Barrage Repairs Accelerated

Concurrent with the link assessment, the minister has directed officials to expedite restoration work on three critical barrages — Medigadda, Sundilla, and Annaram — with all necessary testing to be completed before the monsoon season commences.

Standard Penetration Tests are to be conducted at 1.5-metre intervals, while permeability evaluations must occur every 3 metres. Bore drilling operations are to penetrate at least 5 metres into rock formations, even after rock layers are encountered.

The coordination committee overseeing barrage restoration has been instructed to visit project sites immediately and establish firm timelines for completion. Uttam Kumar Reddy also requested that the Director of the Central Water and Power Research Station remain stationed at field locations to supervise the restoration efforts and ensure timely progress.

The minister emphasised that regular and detailed progress reports must be submitted to the National Dam Safety Authority throughout the restoration process.