Published May 24, 2026 | 3:09 PM ⚊ Updated May 24, 2026 | 3:58 PM
File photo of N Ramachander Rao. (X)
Synopsis: BJP Telangana President N Ramchander Rao accused the state of adopting a “non-serious attitude” towards the planning and implementation of irrigation projects in the Godavari basin. The senior BJP leader urged the state government to expedite the implementation of irrigation projects and ensure optimal utilisation of the water allocated to Telangana.
BJP Telangana President N Ramchander Rao accused the A Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in the state of adopting a “non-serious attitude” towards the planning and implementation of irrigation projects in the Godavari basin. He alleged that delays in execution were preventing Telangana from fully utilising its allocated share of river water.
In a letter dated Saturday, 23 May, addressed to the chief minister, Rao said Telangana was entitled to about 968 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Godavari water according to tribunal allocations and subsequent interpretation by the Central Water Commission (CWC), but continued to face underutilisation due to delays in the restoration and completion of key irrigation projects.
The BJP leader alleged that despite multiple reports submitted by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) on the damaged barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), the state government failed to implement rehabilitation measures with urgency.
He said the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages, which suffered structural damage in 2023, have yet to be restored to full functionality.
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Rao stated that the NDSA had issued reports in November 2023, May 2024 and April 2025, recommending geophysical and geotechnical studies to identify the root causes of the damage and undertake repairs. However, he alleged, the Congress government has not completed the recommended tests in time, resulting in delays in restoring the barrages and affecting the utilisation of nearly 200 TMC of Godavari water.
The BJP president further alleged delays in the execution of the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project in the Khammam district, despite receiving clearances from the Union government and the Technical Advisory Committee. He claimed that the delay was depriving Telangana of the utilisation of 67 TMC of allocated water.
Referring to the Sammakka-Sarakka Sagar (Tupakulagudem barrage) in Mulugu district, Rao said that although the CWC had granted hydrological clearance for the utilisation of 47 TMC, the state government failed to identify the command area properly and delayed further approvals.
Claiming that the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cleared several irrigation projects in Telangana after the state’s formation, Rao said projects accounting for nearly 360 TMC of Godavari water received approvals, including Kaleshwaram, Sita Rama Sagar, Sammakka Sagar and other lift irrigation schemes.
Rao also raised concerns over the reported discussions by the state government regarding the alteration of alignment and source location of the proposed Godavari-Cauvery River interlinking project from Icchampalli. He alleged that any such changes could adversely affect Telangana’s interests and hamper proper utilisation of the state’s assured Godavari water.
The senior BJP leader urged the state government to expedite the implementation of irrigation projects and ensure optimal utilisation of the water allocated to Telangana.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
