Mission Kakatiya works at slow pace alleged

Adilabad: The works relating to Mission Kakatiya, the prestigious project undertaken by the Telangana State Government to renovate tanks and lakes with great fanfare is however, has slowed down, in the district. The district officials were not showing keen interest in taking up the desiltation works. Adilabad is a drought- stricken district without any major river projects.

Farmers are dependent on the rains for cultivating their agricultural fields and that was why they were incurring heavy losses every year. There are nearly 3,651 lakes in the district. With the government taking up Mission Kakatiya to make the barren lands fertile and improve the ground water resources, it took up works in 630 lakes and sanctioned Rs 239 crore for the purpose.

However, it was alleged that till now works were taken up in only 337 lakes and the works were reportedly of poor quality. Moreover, desiltation works were not taken up in 237 lakes and not even one lump of clay was removed. If the desiltation works were taken up at a fast pace, it would be possible to irrigate one lakh acres of land. Although, the rainy season was fast approaching, contractors have not taken up works.

Furthermore, it is surprising that they have selected small lakes instead of the big ones to start desiltation works. One of the farmers, Shankar, alleged that the contractors would benefit if they select the small lakes. Although the calling of tenders has been completed under Mission Kakatiya programme, contractors are reluctant to take up works for reasons best known to them.