Hyderabad: The government ordered fast-track Phase-II works of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme in order to safeguard Telangana’s share of Tungabhadra waters.
At a review meeting on Monday, June 22, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to expedite the modernisation of the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) and prepare a comprehensive action plan for the same.
The meeting was attended by farmers’ representatives who flagged the steady reduction in storage capacity in the Tungabhadra reservoir and unauthorised water diversions by neighbouring states. Reinforcing canal bunds and measures to reduce water losses were discussed.
Reddy reviewed the construction of the Mallammakunta, Julakal and Vallur reservoirs under Phase-II of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme, which, according to government data, are expected to create a gross storage capacity of around 2.12 TMC.
Officials were instructed to constantly monitor the reservoirs’ operations, canal maintenance and infrastructure.
“The government would not compromise on its rights over Tungabhadra waters and would protect the state’s interests,” he said.
Follow on Twitter | Edited by Veena Nair | 
