Hyderabad, April 13: Advisor to Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Sunday announced that the government will implement Package-22 of the Nizamabad irrigation project on the lines of the Pranahita-Chevella model to ensure rapid and sustainable development of irrigation infrastructure in the region.
Speaking to the media after attending a high-level review meeting convened by Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy at Jala Soudha, Shabbir Ali said all pending land acquisition funds related to Package-22 will be released without delay.
He said the decision was taken to accelerate progress on vital irrigation works that are crucial for farmers in the region. “The adoption of the Pranahita-Chevella model for Package-22 reflects the government’s commitment to build durable and efficient water infrastructure,” Shabbir Ali said, adding that the move would benefit thousands of farmers across Nizamabad district by stabilising ayacut and ensuring consistent water supply.
Shabbir Ali also stated that several other important decisions were taken during the review meeting to strengthen the irrigation network in the region. He informed that construction of concrete walls along the Nizamsagar unified canal under Package-20 was approved to prevent leakage and improve flow efficiency. He said officials were instructed to speed up works under Package-21 in coordination with the executing construction agency.
Regarding Package-21A, Shabbir Ali said a new reservoir would be constructed on the pattern of the Pranahita-Chevella scheme. He said directions were given to release the required funds to ensure irrigation water for nearly 20,000 acres during the upcoming Kharif season. “This is a major boost to agriculture in Nizamabad, and the Congress Government is taking all steps to ensure timely delivery of water,” he said.
Shabbir Ali further informed that pending dues related to the Munipalli Lift Irrigation Scheme would be cleared immediately, and revival works of four small lift irrigation schemes in the Armoor constituency would be initiated. He said the Minister directed urgent repairs of pipeline leakages in the Choutapally Lift Irrigation Scheme and also called for early completion of the Siddapur Reservoir.
He said feasibility studies would be taken up for the construction of a rubber dam at Nagamadugu to prevent submergence and protect nearby lands. On the Lendi project, he said officials were asked to study interstate agreements and assess the potential benefits before finalising any proposal. Shabbir Ali also mentioned that the Minister ordered immediate restoration of flood-damaged protection works at the Singitam Project and directed officials to examine the possibility of modernising the Kaulas Nala by submitting fresh estimates.
He noted that the government is also planning to promote eco-tourism near the Nizamsagar Dam by issuing a No Objection Certificate for 12 acres of land as per departmental procedures. Regular funding for minor irrigation repairs was also promised to ensure uninterrupted water supply and maintenance.
Shabbir Ali said the Congress Government is committed to reviving and expanding irrigation facilities across Telangana, especially in backward regions like Nizamabad. He thanked Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy for conducting a comprehensive review and involving local representatives in decision-making.
The meeting was also attended by Incharge Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, Nizamabad Rural MLA Bhupathi Reddy, Jukkal MLA Laxmikanth Rao, Zaheerabad MP Suresh Shetkar and senior irrigation officials. (eom)