Uttam Kumar Reddy Calls for Scientific Desiltation Model for Telangana Irrigation Projects, Reviews Reservoir Capacity Restoration Plan
Uttam Kumar Reddy reviewed Telangana reservoir desiltation plans, called for scientific desiltation models, and directed officials to restore storage capacities in major irrigation projects across the Godavari and Krishna river basins.
Hyderabad: Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday called for the development of practical and sustainable desiltation models for Telangana’s major irrigation projects. During a review meeting at his Secretariat Chambers, he directed officials to restore the original storage capacities of key reservoirs in the Godavari and Krishna river basins, study successful desiltation models from other states, and accelerate ongoing desiltation works at major reservoirs. The initiative remains under review as part of the State Government’s long-term reservoir management strategy.
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Uttam Kumar Reddy Reviews Desiltation Plans for Major Irrigation Projects
Reviewing the government’s initiative for desiltation of reservoirs and irrigation projects with officials at his Secretariat Chambers, Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that every effort should be made to restore the original storage capacities of key reservoirs in the Godavari and Krishna river basins.
He said improving storage capacity was essential for:
- Enhancing water security
- Increasing irrigation potential
- Reducing flood risks
The Minister called for practical and sustainable desiltation models that would address both immediate desiltation requirements and long-term flood protection needs across Telangana’s major irrigation projects.
Telangana to Study Best Desiltation Models from Other States
Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to undertake a detailed study of desiltation models being implemented in other states and examine best practices that could be adapted to Telangana’s conditions.
He also instructed officials to study the national framework and guidelines issued by the Central Government on reservoir desiltation and sediment management.
Punjab Floods Example Highlights Need for Preventive Measures
Drawing on experiences from other states, the Minister said the cost of delayed action could be enormous.
He pointed out that severe flooding in Punjab last year inundated 16 of the state’s 22 districts, forcing the government to spend nearly Rs 2,000 crore on flood-related damages and compensation.
According to the Minister, a substantial portion of such expenditure could potentially have been avoided through timely preventive measures, including systematic desiltation and restoration of drainage and storage capacities.
Mangalam Dam in Kerala Cited as Successful Desiltation Model
The Minister cited the desiltation of Mangalam Dam in Palakkad district of Kerala as a successful example.
He noted that the project, undertaken in 2017, demonstrated how scientifically planned desiltation could simultaneously address reservoir sedimentation and generate economic benefits through the utilisation of excavated material.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana should study such successful models and adapt suitable practices to local conditions.
Progress Reviewed at Kaddam Project, LMD and MMR
The Minister reviewed issues being faced by agencies engaged in the desiltation of the Kaddam Project.
He also assessed the progress of works at:
- Lower Manair Dam (LMD)
- Mid Manair Reservoir (MMR)
He directed officials to identify practical solutions to overcome operational bottlenecks and accelerate desiltation efforts.
SRSP and Nizam Sagar Officials Asked to Submit Recommendations
Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed the Chief Engineers of:
- Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP)
- Nizam Sagar Project
to undertake a comprehensive assessment of desiltation requirements in their respective projects.
He directed them to submit recommendations on feasible measures for restoring lost storage capacity.
Scientific Approach to Reservoir Management
The Minister said the State Government was committed to adopting a scientific and long-term approach to reservoir management by treating desiltation as a critical component of:
- Flood moderation
- Water conservation
- Irrigation sustainability
He said the Engineer-Chief (O&M) would spearhead the initiative aimed at desiltation of reservoirs.
Senior Officials Present at Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by:
- Irrigation Secretary E. Sridhar
- Principal Secretary (Mines and Geology) N. Sridhar
- Other senior officials
Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday called for scientific and sustainable desiltation models for Telangana’s major irrigation projects while reviewing reservoir management initiatives at his Secretariat Chambers in Hyderabad. He directed officials to restore storage capacities in reservoirs across the Godavari and Krishna river basins, study successful models from Punjab and Kerala, accelerate works at the Kaddam Project, Lower Manair Dam and Mid Manair Reservoir, and prepare recommendations for SRSP and Nizam Sagar projects as part of the State Government’s ongoing reservoir management strategy.
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