Hyderabad, April 29 (RAHNUMA): The State government is currently reviewing four proposed alternative alignments for connecting Tummidihatti to Yellampalli, marking a significant advancement in optimising water extraction from the Godavari river, said Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.
Revealing the proposals at a preparatory meeting with officials ahead of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s review on Irrigation projects on Wednesday, the Minister said that the RV Associates and IIT Hyderabad were commissioned to study the options.
They have submitted their joint recommendations, which are now being scrutinised for feasibility, cost and efficiency, he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the Congress government is fully committed to construction of the Pranahita-Chevella project in line with the promises made in its election manifesto. He said the government has already prepared detailed proposals for the project’s construction.
“We are making every possible effort to divert water from Thummidihatti to Yellampally so that irrigation water reaches lakhs of acres,” he stated.
“Each proposal is being examined in detail for its cost, advantages and disadvantages. We will take a final decision after a review meeting with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy,” the Minister said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also gave clear instructions for the urgent restoration of the Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram barrages. He also directed the officials that all necessary tests must be completed before the onset of the monsoon.
Uttam Kumar Reddy wanted Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) must be conducted every 1.5 metres and similarly, the permeability tests must be carried out every 3 metres.
Even if the bore drilling taken up as part of the exercise, hits rock the holes must be drilled at least 5 metres deep.The coordination committee appointed for barrage restoration works should visit the sites immediately and fix a clear timeline, he said.
The Minister wanted the Director of CWPRS to be vailable at the field level to ensure restoration works are completed at the earliest.
Regular and comprehensive updates on the progress of restoration works must be sent to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed.
