PV Satyanarayana Khammam

AgricultureMinister Tummala Nageswara Rao has taken a special initiative to resolve pending irrigation-related issues and expedite development projects in Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts by holding a crucial meeting with Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy.

During the meeting, Tummala brought 15 important proposals concerning the two districts to the attention of the Irrigation Minister and sought early approvals, adequate funding and speedy execution of pending works. The discussions covered major irrigation projects, flood protection measures, tank restoration, drinking water security and new infrastructure proposals aimed at benefiting farmers and the public.

For Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Tummala sought steps to resume the Seethamma Sagar multipurpose project, whose construction was stalled due to an NGT case.

He informed Uttam that environmental clearance proposals had been submitted through EPTRI on November 9 on the PARIVESH portal and requested that the clearance process be expedited.

He also stressed the need to speed up the Seetharama Lift Irrigation Scheme, particularly the Julurupadu tunnel works being undertaken by HES Infra and Pump House-4 construction under Package-11.

Other proposals included approval for the Venakamma Cheruvu flood-flow canal to provide water to minor irrigation tanks in Dabbathogu and Asupaka villages, permanent restoration of the damaged Peddavagu project bund and implementation of pressurised piped irrigation networks under Packages 1, 2, 7 and 8 of the Seetharama project.

The meeting also discussed floating solar power projects with energy storage facilities on irrigation reservoirs under the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana, the Marellapadu lift irrigation scheme, increasing the storage capacity of Domalavagu tank to 0.48 TMC and permanent flood protection measures for Mallepula Vagu and development of Bethupalli tank.

Regarding Khammam constituency, Tummala sought construction of a flood protection wall along the Munneru river up to Dhamsalapuram to protect vulnerable residential areas.

He also requested permission for a guide wall near Tekulapalli bypass along the NSP right main canal. Restoration and beautification of Dhamsalapuram Pedda Cheruvu, Khanapuram Oora Cheruvu and other tanks were among the proposals.

Further, he requested Rs 8 crore for constructing a regulator near Tekulapalli to divert water into Lakkaram tank, strengthening drinking water security for Khammam city.

Responding positively, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the 15 proposals would be examined and necessary steps taken in coordination with the concerned departments to resolve pending issues and accelerate project implementation. Tummala emphasised that timely completion of these projects would improve irrigation facilities for farmers, strengthen drinking water resources and provide protection to people in flood-prone areas.