Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka inspected the ongoing works of the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP) and announced a renewed strategic focus on water management in Telangana. Citing the mounting challenges of climate change, he emphasized that the state will maximise the use of Godavari waters via both gravity‑fed and lift‑irrigation schemes.

Background and Current Status

Godavari’s waters already power several lift‑irrigation schemes, including the Devadula, Rajiv Sagar (Dummugudem) and Indira Sagar projects. Vikramarka highlighted that pumps at the Sammakka Barrage backwaters are operating at full capacity, filling 22 reservoirs across nearly twelve districts and seventeen assembly constituencies.

Accelerating SRLIP Completion

During the site visit at the Ammagaripalli off‑take point and pump house, the Deputy CM directed officials to fast‑track SRLIP works. He stressed that delivering water to the tail‑end ayacut remains a top priority, and a month‑wide action plan with regular reviews is already in place to monitor progress.

Criticism of the Previous Administration

Vikramarka accused the former BRS government of “looting” public funds by redesigning the projects, notably adding the Seethamma Sagar Barrage, which ballooned the cost to nearly ₹24,000 crore from an original estimate of about ₹1,505 crore. He noted that only around ₹2,000 crore had been spent before the state’s bifurcation, and the current Congress‑led administration has taken up the unfinished work to protect the substantial public investment.

Future Plans and Financial Support

Key linkages are being created, such as connecting the Rajiv Canal with the Sagar Canal, constructing link canals and tunnels to fill the Wyra and Palair reservoirs, and extending irrigation to Sathupalli. Funds for land acquisition and other project needs will be released promptly, underscoring the government’s resolve to deliver a sustainable, climate‑resilient water future for Telangana.