KCR sets March 2018 deadline for projects

Hyderabad: Unhappy over the delay in the execution of irrigation projects, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has set a time-frame for the completion of all major projects on the river Krishna and Godavari. He said all important projects should be completed by March 2018.

Expressing his unhappiness over undue delay in getting clearances for the projects, the Chief Minister said that he would himself pursue with the Centre to get forest clearances speedily for the major projects.

KCR on Friday held an extended review meeting on projects with Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao and officials concerned and discussed the challenges faced in putting the works on fast track and strategies to overcome the hurdles.

He instructed the officials that the works on Medigadda barrage should also be completed by March 2018 and water should be provided for irrigation by the next Kharif season. He directed the officials to take up construction works to supply water from Medigadda to Yellampally, Yellampally to Mid Maner and Mid Maner to Mallanna Sagar in a time-bound manner.

Though the state was allocated 954 TMC of water from Godavari, Telangana has not been able to utilise the same due to lack of projects. “We have to utilise our share of water given to us. Of this, Kaleswaram project is important,” he told the officials.

KCR also inquired about the progress of the works on Nagarjuna Sagar canals and Kakatiya canals. He asked the Irrigation department to coordinate with Energy department for the construction of power sub stations and setting up of transmission lines. He asked the Irrigation minister and officials to work out a strategy for optimum utilization of Krishna water.

Finance Minister Eatala Rajender, Mission Bhagiratha Vice Chairman Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Chief Secretary SP Singh, Special Chief Secretary (Irrigation) SK Joshi and others were present in the meeting.