Irrigation Minister Accelerates RDS Modernisation Drive, Vows to Protect Tungabhadra Water Rights

Hyderabad: State Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has mandated officials to move swiftly on modernising the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) and push forward with Phase-II implementation of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme.

At a comprehensive review meeting convened at the State Secretariat, the minister examined pressing concerns surrounding RDS infrastructure, Tungabhadra Dam management, and water-sharing arrangements between states. The gathering brought together engineers, water resource specialists, government officials, and farming representatives from the RDS command area, which spans portions of the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district.

Deteriorating Infrastructure Demands Urgent Action

A delegation of farmer leaders, headed by former RDS chairman G. Sitarami Reddy, presented detailed submissions highlighting infrastructure challenges. The farmers underscored the deteriorating state of RDS headworks, illegal water diversions by neighbouring states, and progressive depletion of Tungabhadra reservoir storage attributable to siltation.

According to the farmer representatives, numerous components of the irrigation system have outlived their design specifications and demand immediate restoration work. They flagged reduced canal capacity, silt buildup, structural damage, and water seepage as contributing factors to diminished irrigation delivery. The delegation also pointed out that several recommendations from expert committees remain pending implementation.

The minister acknowledged that postponing RDS modernisation is no longer tenable. He instructed officials to formulate a detailed action plan for executing outstanding works, reinforcing canal embankments, and boosting overall canal performance.

Tummilla Scheme Phase-II Advances

During the review, the minister also assessed progress on Phase-II of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme. He directed officials to expedite land acquisition procedures for three proposed reservoirs: Mallammakunta, Julakal, and Vallur.

These three reservoirs are projected to generate a combined gross storage capacity of approximately 2.12 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet). Officials briefed the meeting that the Mallammakunta reservoir would necessitate acquisition of about 567 acres, while Julakal and Vallur reservoirs would require approximately 382 acres and 2,216 acres respectively.

The minister instructed revenue officials to engage with potentially affected farming communities and guarantee equitable compensation packages. The meeting also examined mechanisms for assured water delivery via the RDS canal network.

Firm Stance on Water Rights

The minister made unambiguous that Telangana would not yield on its rightful entitlements to Tungabhadra waters. He announced the government would employ all available technical, legal, and administrative mechanisms to uphold the state's position.

Reddy called for enhanced engagement and vigilance from Telangana's representatives serving on the Tungabhadra Board. He emphasized the necessity for closer oversight of reservoir functioning, canal operations, and infrastructure upkeep.

The meeting also covered matters including KC Canal discharges, coordination between states, and enforcement of tribunal determinations. The minister directed officials to compile a thorough assessment encompassing technical analyses, farmer grievances, legal dimensions, and policy recommendations for presentation to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The government plans to discuss RDS modernisation, Tungabhadra Dam safety concerns, and board administration with the Chief Minister in the coming days.

Reiterating his commitment, the minister stressed that the welfare of farmers reliant on the RDS system constitutes the government's paramount concern. He reaffirmed Telangana's intention to maintain constructive dialogue with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the Union Government while steadfastly defending its water entitlements and advancing fair distribution of Tungabhadra waters.

Irrigation Secretary E. Sridhar, ENC General Ramesh Babu, and other senior officials participated in the review session.