Uttam reviews State-wide water availability, wants optimal use for Kharif

HYDERABAD

Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday reviewed the availability of water across all major reservoirs in the State and instructed the irrigation authorities to prepare a scientific and practical plan for optimal utilisation of water during the ongoing Kharif season (vana kalam).

The plan must take into account current reservoir levels, expected monsoon inflows and the total ayacut that could be served effectively, he said and noted that the Irrigation and Agriculture Departments had worked in tandem during the previous Kharif and Yasangi seasons, leading to a record production of 281 lakh tonnes of paddy, and made the State the largest paddy-producer in the country.

Reviewing the water resources in both the Krishna and Godavari Basins, he assessed the readiness of the department to meet the irrigation needs of farmers. He told the officials to maintain the same level of coordination with District Collectors and field staff as in last year to ensure optimal water use for the present crop season.

The Minister stressed for a clear and coordinated water release strategy to be in place based on real-time data, crop patterns and the geography of ayacut. “Our primary objective is to ensure that no farmer suffers due to lack of water. The entire department must work proactively with foresight and accountability”, Mr. Uttam Reddy said.

Reviewing the monsoon preparedness, the Minister told the officials to take precautions to be taken before and during the periods of heavy rainfall. He directed the officials to closely monitor dams, reservoirs, canals and allied structures and take preventive measures to avoid breaches, flooding or infrastructure damage.

The Minister instructed the department to stay in regular contact with the Disaster Management Department and ensure strong inter-agency coordination for flood control. “Public safety and the structural integrity of all irrigation assets is non-negotiable. Officials must remain alert and responsive at all times”, he added.

Remove encroachments

The meeting addressed long-pending land encroachment issues of properties belonging to the Irrigation Department. The Minister directed the officials to identify and evict illegal occupants from irrigation lands and facilities across Telangana, including the premises of Water and Land Management Training and Research Institute (WALAMTARI), and Engineering Research Laboratory (ERL). He announced that a statewide drive would be launched soon to reclaim and secure all irrigation department properties.