Uttam Kumar Reddy Orders Fast-Track RDS Modernisation, Vows to Protect Telangana’s Rights Over Tungabhadra Waters
Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy orders fast-track RDS modernisation, protection of Tungabhadra water rights, and acceleration of Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme Phase-II works.
Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to complete the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) modernisation works without further delay and accelerate the implementation process. The minister also reaffirmed that protecting Telangana’s rights over Tungabhadra waters, strengthening the RDS system, and speeding up the second phase of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme are among the government’s top priorities.
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The directions were issued during a review meeting held on Monday at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat in Hyderabad.
Comprehensive Review of RDS, Tungabhadra Dam and Tummilla Project
During the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy conducted a detailed review of:
- Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS)
- Tungabhadra Dam maintenance
- Interstate water distribution
- Progress of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme
The meeting was attended by irrigation department engineers, water resources experts, senior officials and farmers from the RDS ayacut area.
Farmers Raise Concerns Over RDS Headworks and Water Diversions
Farmer representatives brought several issues to the minister’s attention, including:
- Poor condition of RDS headworks
- Alleged unauthorized diversion of water by neighbouring states
- Reduction in storage capacity due to silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra reservoir
Farmers informed the minister that many structures within the RDS system had exceeded their service life and required urgent restoration.
Minister Orders Action Plan for RDS Modernisation
Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for RDS modernisation.
He directed officials to:
- Complete pending strengthening works quickly
- Reinforce canal embankments
- Increase canal carrying capacity
- Reduce water losses across the canal system
The minister stressed that the interests of RDS ayacut farmers remain the government’s foremost priority.
Land Acquisition to Be Prioritised for Tummilla Phase-II
The minister directed officials to prioritise land acquisition required for the construction of:
- Mallammakunta Reservoir
- Julakal Reservoir
- Vallur Reservoir
These reservoirs are part of the second phase of the Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme.
According to the minister, the three reservoirs will create a gross water storage capacity of approximately 2.12 TMC.
Fair Compensation for Affected Farmers
Uttam Kumar Reddy issued clear instructions to revenue officials to ensure that farmers affected by land acquisition receive fair and adequate compensation.
Officials informed the meeting that the following land areas may be submerged:
- Mallammakunta Reservoir: 567 acres
- Julakal Reservoir: 382 acres
- Vallur Reservoir: 2,216 acres
Telangana Rights Over Tungabhadra Waters Will Be Protected
The minister directed officials to take all necessary measures to ensure that Telangana continues to receive assured water releases through the RDS canal system.
He also instructed officials to implement special measures to protect water flows at critical points within the canal network.
Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that Telangana would not compromise under any circumstances on its legitimate rights over Tungabhadra waters.
He said the government would undertake all necessary technical, legal and administrative measures to safeguard the state’s interests.
Greater Role for Telangana Representatives in Tungabhadra Board
The minister advised Telangana officials representing the Tungabhadra Board to function more proactively.
He instructed them to continuously monitor:
- Reservoir management
- Canal operations
- Infrastructure maintenance
He emphasized that Telangana’s interests should be protected effectively at every level.
Discussion on KC Canal Releases and Interstate Coordination
The meeting also discussed:
- RDS maintenance
- KC Canal water releases
- Interstate coordination
- Implementation of tribunal judgments
The minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report covering:
- Technical issues
- Farmers’ concerns
- Legal aspects
- Policy alternatives
The report will be submitted to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Special Meeting with Chief Minister Planned
Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that he would soon hold a separate discussion with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding:
- RDS modernisation
- Safety of the Tungabhadra Dam
- Role of the Tungabhadra Board
Government Reiterates Commitment to Farmers
Reaffirming that protecting the interests of Telangana farmers remains the government’s highest priority, the minister said Telangana would continue coordination with:
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Central Government
while firmly safeguarding Telangana’s water rights.
He added that efforts would continue at all levels to ensure Telangana receives its rightful share of Tungabhadra waters.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by:
- E. Sridhar, Principal Secretary, Irrigation Department
- K. Srinivas, Assistant Secretary
- Ramesh Babu, Engineer-in-Chief General
- Other senior officials
At the review meeting held at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to accelerate RDS modernisation works, protect Telangana’s rights over Tungabhadra waters, and speed up Tummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme Phase-II. The minister also ordered priority land acquisition for the Mallammakunta, Julakal and Vallur reservoirs, stressed fair compensation for affected farmers, and reaffirmed that safeguarding the interests of Telangana farmers and securing assured Tungabhadra water releases remain top government priorities.
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