Hyderabad: In a bid to fast-track pending irrigation projects in erstwhile Khammam district including environmental clearances for the Sitarama Sagar Lift Irrigation Scheme and escalation of Polavaram backwater issue with the Centre. It was also decided to tour all irrigation projects by ministers.Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy along with ministers and elected representatives from Khammam districts including deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Tummala Nageshwara Rao, district incharge minister Vakiti Srihari reviewed the pending irrigation projects in Khammam district.During the review meeting Uttam Kumar Reddy made it clear that issues relating to land acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), forest clearances, environmental clearances and court cases should be addressed on a priority basis.On Sitarama project, the minister stressed the need to expedite all pending environmental clearances. Officials informed him that the project had already secured Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) clearance, also known as Techno-Economic Clearance, from the Central Water Commission (CWC).The ministers also reviewed court-related matters concerning the project and directed officials to closely monitor cases pending before the supreme court and other courts. He said that diverting Godavari waters from the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project to the Paleru Balancing Reservoir through the NSP Left Canal system should be accorded top priority.Through the strategically designed Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP), Godavari waters are being lifted from the Dummugudem Anicut and integrated with the NSP Left Canal system, thereby stabilising and augmenting irrigation in the existing ayacut, particularly in tail-end and water-scarce areas. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to secure all required forest clearances by July-end and ensure that contractors do not cite land-related issues as reasons for delays.The minister also directed officials to expedite land acquisition for the Munneru–Paleru Link Canal. Officials informed him that the proposed 9-km gravity canal required acquisition of about 317 acres in four villages.Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy suggested to lift water from Sitarama Lift Package-I to the Bayyaram upland tribal areas in Yellandu Assembly constituency. He directed officials to prepare a practical and cost-effective proposal covering the source point, minimum lift requirement, utilisation of local streams, financial implications and expected ayacut benefits.Addressing the issue of submergence in Bhadrachalam division due to Polavaram project backwaters, the ministers assured public representatives that the matter would be taken up shortly with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) and a dedicated review meeting would be convened to find solutions. Speaking on the occasion, Bhatti Vikramarka assured full support and timely release of funds for speedy completion of irrigation projects in the district.ends/
