Mission Kakatiya: Harish Rao asks officials to speed up works

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao on Monday directed the officials concerned to expedite Mission Kakatiya works of restoration of lakes in the villages and towns across the State. Harish, who conducted a field level inspection of works in the districts recently, held a video conference with district officials on the need for speeding up Mission Kakatiya works here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Irrigation Minister asked the officials to prepare plans to take up works as per schedule. He underscored the need for completing the lakes’ restoration works on time using adequate funds and equipment followed by completing the procedures like tenders and beginning of works without any delay.

Any dereliction in this regard would be dealt with seriously, he warned. Stating that there was no dearth of funds for Mission Kakatiya works as the government would allocate more funds in the coming budget session, he asked the officials and staff at rural areas and those in towns should coordinate and identify lakes, ponds and water bodies that needed immediate attention.

Of the 45,300 water bodies, over 9,000 lakes and water bodies should be restored in the first phase besides shifting de-silted soil to nearby crops, he said. The officials should expedite the works and maintain standards without giving room for negligence, Harish added.