MLN MURTHY, Deccan news service

The Telangana government has approved Rs.571.57 crores for the completion of the Chinna Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which is set to benefit 63 villages in the Manthani Assembly Constituency. Initiated in 2007, the project is 75% complete and is expected to irrigate 45,000 acres within the next two years, providing a significant boost to agriculture in the region.

IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, instrumental in securing this approval, emphasized the project’s importance during a review meeting at Errum Manzil Jal Soudha, chaired by Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.

The project will utilize Godavari River water, drawing it through an approach canal to the Kannepalli Pump House, which will pump 4.2 TMC of water downstream. This will support agricultural irrigation and provide 0.5 TMC of drinking water. Two pump houses will channel water to key tanks, including Mandiram Cheruvu and Erra Cheruvu, with the latter’s capacity set to be expanded.

Boost to Local Irrigation Infrastructure
The project includes the reinforcement of the breached Rudraram Tank bund and improvements to canal systems, ensuring effective water distribution. Currently, the Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP) irrigates 28,800 acres through the D-83 Distributary Canal, but silt deposits have hampered efficiency. Minister Sridhar Babu has directed SRSP engineers to expedite desilting and repairs to restore full functionality.

With the government’s commitment to completing the Chinna Kaleshwaram Project, the region is poised for a transformation, ensuring sustainable water supply for agriculture and drinking purposes.