Irrigating One crore acres.....Chief Minister’s Historical Presentation in State Assembly on 31-03-2016

Irrigating One crore acres

Chief Minister’s 

Historical Presentation in State Assembly

(31-03-2016)

(CM KCR made a five hour long presentation and addressed the State legislative Assembly on various aspects of irrigation touching upon several other related issues. This was witnessed not only by lakhs of audience in the state but also in several parts of the country and even abroad. For the benefit of those who would like to have its English version in general and in particular those who are abroad this is an attempt).

The endless untold story of agriculture and irrigation in Telangana state may be compared to that of great literature Mahabharata and great epic Ramayana. Going back to the days of year 2001 it is worthwhile recalling the miserable situation in which the people of Telangana were placed then. The then prevailing ecological imbalance, acute shortage of rainfall and continuous drought resulted in appalling migration of labor in particular and others in general from Telangana districts. Chain of Tanks built by Kakatiya rulers and developed during Qutub Shahis were totally desiccated. The entire minor irrigation was subjected to obliteration. At the same time drying up of the already constructed medium irrigation projects like Koyilsagar and Sadarmart, non implementation of the expected major irrigation projects meant for Telangana, incessant power cuts, enormous current bills etc. created a ghastly situation wherein life has come to a halt. It was said those days that the life in Telangana then was like Bombay, Dubai and Coalmine! From Mahaboobnagar district alone between 15-20 lakh farm and other labor starving for food migrated to several places all over the country to be engaged in construction work. That was a real alarming situation. I was in the position of Deputy Speaker in the then Government and earlier prior to that I worked as Minister in the same Government.

When the then TDP Government attempted to raise the electricity bill charges, being a member of cabinet, I opposed vehemently in the cabinet meeting and spoke for an hour and forty minutes detailing the reason for my opposition. Subsequently general elections were held. For reasons best known to him the then CM without consulting either the senior ministers or experts in the subject, increased the electric charges indiscriminately for which I protested and wrote an open letter describing the action as arbitrary and equivalent to awarding a death sentence. Later, representatives of various political parties and Telangana farmers came out openly protesting and agitating against the government decision resulting in police firing at Basheerbagh in Hyderabad leading to death of couple of people. The following incidents and developments encouraged me to decide firmly that justice to Telangana people would be impossible in the integrated state and consequently I resigned to all my posts to start agitation for separate Telangana state.

It was in that difficult and uncertain situation, the 1969 agitation for separate state hitting the highest point but was silenced, surfaced once again, on April 27, 2001 with “Jai Telangana” slogans. It all happened in the “Jaladrushya” building in this capital city of Hyderabad. Late Professor Jayashankar, Late Janardhan Rao, Late Konda Laxman Bapuji and several other intellectuals including the present Assembly Speaker as well as many more who took part in 1969 agitation joined hands with me in taking forward. While drafting an action plan for agitation the Speaker might have written on hundreds of letter heads about various aspects. Thus commenced the movement and took off.

Right from the beginning the movement was not only opposed but also ridiculed and described as a joke. Several hurdles were created. Despite hardships, ups and downs, road blocks, speed breakers and bottlenecks the fight for separate state prolonged and continued without interruption. In the process at the national level 36 political parties expressed their solidarity to the cause and extended their support for a separate state for Telangana. BJP in its National Executive passed a resolution in support of the state. CPI too declared its support. All the 36 regional parties gave letters in writing in support of Telangana state. Simultaneously several sacrifices, several times police resorting to Lahti charge and several suicides took place. Against this background on June 2, 2014 Telangana State came into existence. In the newly formed state in the elections that took place earlier, voters gave a clear mandate in favor of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and entrusted the responsibility of governance to it. As a result TRS government was formed.

All through the agitation three main issues were the main agenda. In addition to fighting against discrimination, ill-treatment, ridicule, looking down at us, attack on our culture, language, literature etc three other main issues which was the main tagline of agitation was to get “water, resources and jobs”. As of now after the formation of state two of these could be achieved namely funds and jobs. As the 29^th state of Indian federation funds and resources of this state shall belong to the people of this state only. These would be spent for the progress, development and well being of this state and people and there are no two opinions on this.

With regards to employment opportunities and jobs, now that we are an independent and autonomous state in its own way, in accordance with the provisions of Constitution of India and on par with any other Indian state, I have no hesitation to mention that every job opportunity in Telangana shall go to people of Telangana only. Few existing vacancies in different government departments will have to be filled up. Many of our unemployed youth brothers are waiting for jobs. In this term of ours the government would provide one lakh job opportunities and recruit. Thus the issues of resources and jobs have been successfully tackled.

The left out important issue is that of water for irrigation. Wherever and whenever we, the ministers, MLAs, MPs, MLCs, I or to that matter the Honorable Speaker go, the foremost question being put up to us by people at large is, when would the irrigation projects be completed and when would they get water for irrigation. This situation is same in every part of Telangana. They ask us when these deserted projects would again flourish and will it be possible that they regain their one time past glory. People have a doubt whether the water for drinking and irrigation would be made available at all or not. The farmer who totally depend on water for cultivation keep asking this question probably till they are assured of the completion of projects. They are waiting for that day with lots of hope and assurance from this Government.

Immediately after the formation of Telangana State and after TRS came to power we had a series of high level reviews as to how and in what direction this government should move in the areas of industry, economy, IT, welfare etc. as well as the most important irrigation sector. Until 2001 there was complete discrimination against Telangana. We were not in a position to fill Jurala project and the situation slowly improved when the agitation started. Project displaced persons who were not given compensation by the previous government initially could get the same due to our rigorous fight.

Members of Legislative Assembly belonging to official party blasted the water gates of RDS project for which the then CM himself was a witness. This was past history and part of history. I am not disclosing anything that is totally new and fresh. I am not even criticizing. I am just revealing all that what happened in Telangana. We were however able to resist and put an end to the unfortunate state of affairs prevailing then. We were also able to undo the injustice and oppose the high handedness that was done at RDS by way of undertaking a walk from Alampur to Gadwall. Devadula Project was the result of agitation of those days. The indiscrimination that went unabated till then was questioned by me in this Assembly of united AP and the CM had no reply.

Nagarjunasagar has two canals systems-left and right. There are lifts on both the canals. The lifts on right canal are meant for Andhra area and that of left canal are meant for Telangana area. Lifts on the right canal are maintained totally by the government and the related power bills are paid by the government. The bills pertaining to left canal that gives water to Telangana are however charged to farmers and this discrimination continued and no one questioned. I asked whether this is not discrimination. When I raised this, the then government realized the mistake and issued a fresh GO mentioning that government will pay the bills for left canal also. Against this background we should design projects which would get water for Telangana, the new state that is formed.

Yes…we need to get water. However, let me mention one important thing here. One Mr. Balayya, a person who hails from Siddipet, has been working with me as driver for the past 30-35 years. Whenever, both on normal days and while leading movement for separate Telangana, I passed through River Godavari and River Krishna, Balayya used to keep rupee coins with me always. He was sure that I would ask him these coins to drop in the rivers, while passing through, as a tradition and practice that I have been adhering to for so many years. Probably none would have dropped as many coins as I did in these rivers Krishna and Godavari! This is also known to every police person in the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar and Mahaboobnagar. All my colleagues in the movement also are aware of this and they too did the same thing. They invariably prayed saying that…”Oh! Mother River Godavari and River Krishna…when would you grace with your flow of water to irrigate our fields? When would you give a new lease of life to our farmers who have been facing hardships by migrating to Bombay, Dubai and Coalmines?” I too used to pray similarly with folded hands and wholeheartedly.

At last by the grace of God Almighty, people cooperation, movement, consent of political leadership at the national level, a sense of understanding about problems faced by Telangana people and many more favorable developments in that direction, Telangana State has come into existence. Immediately after the formation of the state, when we reviewed the irrigation projects and water sharing modus operandus, it has become crystal clear, that, each and every irrigation project supposed to be meant for Telangana was deliberately designed in such a way that they are dragged into perennial and never ending interstate disputes. For instance let us take the Icchampally project…a multipurpose project with hydro electricity generation, irrigation, flood control, etc. benefits on the River Godavari. Though it was very easy to complete, it remained as it was. The present Maharashtra Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, as a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party along with party colleagues walked through forests for this on the name of “Jalayatra”.  Despite several protests and movements in which the entire Telangana community was involved, the project was left to its fate on the pretext of interstate dispute. Similarly rest of the irrigation projects that would have brought water were also set aside and left uncompleted, either by pushing them in to interstate disputes or on the pretext of environment permissions or as they need to pass through wildlife protection areas. We are all aware that as on 2001 by the time TRS came in to existence, in Warangal district under SRSP-2, couple of small bits of 2-3 kilometers stretch were kept in pending for decades together on the pretext that they have to pass through forest lands. It was only after we agitated and protested vehemently the then Government initiated steps for completing the pending works. It was a fact that, that could happen, because the Telangana society at large fought for the cause benefiting Telangana to some extent.

In fact Telangana did not get water in the normal and rightful process. On paper it is very clearly mentioned about allocations of water to Telangana. These allocations for Telangana in River Godavari and River Krishna were made by the then integrated state governments and not by the present Telangana government on its own. There is however the Brijeshkumar Tribunal and then the Supreme Court where we are putting forward our point of view on allocations. We will definitely argue the case in our favor both in Tribunal and in Court. In River Godavari in accordance with the allocation of 954 TMC of water made by the then Government and based on the CWC clearances, it was shown on paper that construction of projects commenced. I would give details of these at a later stage.

The then governments also told that 299 TMC of assured water for SLBC of Nalgonda district and for Kalwakrti of Mahaboobnagar district as well as 79 TMC of surplus waters for Nettampadu were allotted and these three projects were also taken-up. This means both assured and surplus put together in River Krishna the allocation was 378 TMC. Thus from both the rivers – River Godavari and River Krishna - put together, the then governments allocated on the whole 1330 TMC of water including 259 TMC for minor irrigation. For the minor irrigation allocation from River Godavari basin is 170 TMC and from River Krishna basin is 89 TMC. For major and medium irrigation projects the allocation is 1071 TMC according to them. There are relevant files and sanctions in support of these allocations. The projects were also sanctioned on paper. Works on them also commenced formally. There are different statistical data with regards to cultivable land apart from residential and forest lands. According to available government data this would be nearly 1, 60, 00, 000 acres which is suitable for agriculture. According to another data this is only 1, 11, 00, 000 acres. When the government of those days said that the allotment of waters was 1070 TMC what prevented them to irrigate 1, 11, 00, 000 acres? There is no proper answer.

Our Kakatiya rulers in 11^th Century itself taught the whole world about the importance and system of watershed. They started digging and development of chain of tanks all over the state. Thank to their knowledge and will power, it was a god given gift that they could build chain of tanks for irrigation. If we go anywhere in Telangana we will find either a Neem tree or some other tall and huge tree on the bund of each and every tank and a village deity temple of either Pochamma or Maisamma or Durga down below the tank. This was the culture. We will also find there a commemorative inscription-plaque of Kakatiya kings. These have been preserved over a period with love and affection. In the process more than 75, 000 tanks were built by Kakatiyas in Telangana villages. Quli Qutub Shahs who succeeded them also continued the tradition and sustained them. The best example is that of Hussain Sagar developed by Quli Qutub Shahs. Quli Qutub Shahi from the Noubhat Pahad Hill noticed one day the water source in the center of Hyderabad city and decided to develop it in to a huge tank of water source. Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali was entrusted with the work by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shahi and was constructed by him in 1562. His name can be seen on the Darga there. Hussain Sagar was thus constructed as long back as 400-500 years ago. What was started by Kakatiya Kings was taken up and continued by Qutub Shahis. Asaf Jahis who succeeded later moved one more step forward. It is well known fact that the reservoirs meant for medium irrigation built during Kakatiya Kings namely Laknavaram, Ramappa, Pakala and Ganapavaram are in Warangal district. It is not that the importance and greatness of Telangana and the rulers of those days is not known but it is time to recapitulate and hence all this being told in this context.

 The medium irrigation projects built in 11^th Century are continue to be very strong and robust till this day providing irrigated water to about 50, 000 acres in Telangana. Similarly, here, we need to recollect yet another historical fact. In accordance with a treaty of friendship between the then Asaf Jahi Nizams and British Government, the first ever major irrigation project and the first of its kind anywhere in the world, namely Nizam Sagar, was constructed with the support of British and French engineers. This is not known to many that the world’s largest project constructed was in the state of Telangana by the Asaf Jahi Nizams! Through this project in addition to 2.75 Lakh acres officially another 20-30 thousands of acres has been under irrigation. Once upon a time Nizamabad was one of the richest districts in the state. The days have changed and now people are migrating to Bombay and Dubai for livelihood and facing severe hardships. This is what we gained in integrated Andhra Pradesh State. The full credit for its damage and for its drying-up beyond a point goes to the rulers of integrated AP state.

In addition to Nizam Sagar Project, Asaf Jahis also built other projects like Ganapuram Ayucut in Medak district, Upper Maner project and Koyilsagar projects. Thank to all these, both under major and medium irrigation projects about 5 lakhs acres and under minor irrigation another 15 lakhs acres, all put together about 20 lakhs of acres were under cultivation in Telangana as early as 1956. There was well laid irrigation system in Telangana by then itself. These are to be placed on historical record and that is the reason I preferred to mention all these in the Legislative Assembly and made frequent appeal to all the members for this. These facts are no where recorded. These must be recorded in the first Telangana Legislative Assembly. The facts are to be available to the future generations. I have no intention to blame anyone or criticize anyone or find fault with anyone. Today we achieved Telangana. People feel that they should get water for irrigation. They want their barren lands to be brought under irrigation. Telangana should get adequate water and water from every possible source. All my effort is to make it possible and nothing but for that.

Pen drives of my presentation copy will be made available to every honorable member here. They can have access to that as and when they would like to have. They may see it repeatedly again and again for more understanding. They may also consult experts of their choice. The fact here is projects were initiated in such a manner that they would not be in a position to be carried on as they are subjected to interstate disputes to begin with. We have also seen that these projects are also subjected to environmental litigations. We have also lost seven mandals to AP as soon as Telangana was formed. Yet another horrible fact is that of Dummugudem Tail Pond project which does not belong to us in effect and with which there is no use for Telangana. What has been planned was, 160 TMC of water drawn from Dummugudem, would be diverted to Tail Pond. Enrout through Nagarjuna Sagar left canal it is also proposed to stop water that hitherto floes through gravity in Khammam District and instead arrange to lift it. This is nothing but loosing the existing right of using Krishna waters! What would happen is…water is lost…water coming from Nagarjuna Sagar would be given-up. It was said that water from Dummugudem would be flown to Palair reservoir and from there to be given to Ayucut. This is illogical. That cannot be said as Telangana Project at all. Dummugudem project as proposed by erstwhile governments wrongly envisages loosing of 4.5 lakhs acres of Telangana forest lands and about 16 lakhs acres of agriculture land of farmers and ultimately resulting in non-availability of Nagarjuna Sagar water. In future to get water lifts would be pressed in to service and the power bill for it has to be borne by the farmer.

The question now before the august house and the honorable members is whether such a project which does harm to Telangana shall be abandoned or continued or redesigned to suit to the requirements of Telangana? The need, concept and reason as well as all facts for redesigning of irrigation projects by this government will be placed before this house through a power point presentation and I would request the honorable members to seek any clarification from me. Let us discuss thoroughly and come to a consensus. I am ready to answer any question put by any honorable member.

While this is the situation prevailing in our state with all the proposed projects in doldrums requiring redesign to overcome several hurdles, yet another problem that requires attention has also surfaced. We saw the incident of an agitation against Babble project in Maharashtra. If we go deep and make a study both Telangana and AP are in an alarming situation because of Maharashtra and Karnataka. They have built as many as 450+ barrages across River Godavari and River Krishna, meaning in all 450+ Babblees. Huge lifts have also been arranged there to draw water. What shall we do and what can we do in this situation? If at all we attempt to do anything what would be its outcome? In 35 years for the first time Singoor in Medak district got totally dried up and crocodiles which were to be in the reservoir are coming out in to nearby villages! Not even a single drop of water to Sriram Sagar project from River Godavari which should come in the normal course, except some water due to rains in Telangana.

Against the background of such an unfortunate scenario how do we go about? What Telangana has to do? How do we proceed? How do we overcome the problem? How to get water? Several high level reviews on the subject were held involving experts and concerned officers. Earlier the practice was to limit the helicopter trips only to Chief Minister. For the first time I took initiative and provided two-three helicopters for use of retired chief engineers, irrigation experts and other knowledgeable persons under the guidance and leadership of irrigation advisor, irrigation minister and irrigation secretary to go round River Krishna and River Godavari basins for an in-depth study. The idea is to come to an understanding as to what is to be done, based on their study and recommendations. The objective of this study is how best projects are to be redesigned, completed and how quickly water could be provided to the farmer in the shortest possible time. On this issue couple of friends attempted to stall our efforts without any reason. I do not want to blame them but leave it to their wisdom and it is for them to decide which is good or bad to the state.

I mentioned the other day in this house how some individuals belonging to Mahaboobnagar district attempted to stall the Palamoor lift irrigation scheme and the rationality behind it. The petitioner was not only found fault by the High Court but also the decision of the government was appreciated on the ground that it has taken every care in planning the project. A go ahead signal was given by the court to proceed with the commencement of the project. Some people without a basic understanding of the subject are resorting to propaganda and attempting to confuse. Come what may, now it is time for the government, to proceed firmly with people cooperation to undertake construction of irrigation projects. This Government is committed to do so and we shall build the projects. Notwithstanding the hurdles from any corner and from anyone however powerful they may be, Government shall provide water for irrigation to bring one crore acres of land under cultivation. Telangana shall be a green Telangana and the every inch of the farmers’ land will be provided with water to make them better-off and totally wipeout their tears in the eyes.

In continuation of these introductory remarks, demonstrating and making a presentation with the help of Google Maps, CM explained in detail several aspects of projects with examples. CM said:

Maharashtra built several barrages across River Godavari and they are a threat to us any day. Let me start with River Penganga on which they have built 31 barrages and another 9 are in the process of construction. The issue came up for discussion in CWC and whenever this was raised the standard answer given by Maharashtra was that they built barrages and projects within the allotment of waters to them. Maharashtra never submitted the details and neither made available otherwise. I personally with the help of couple of friends did some research using Google maps by spending long hours day and night to know the facts and astonishing details surfaced. The barrages they built are of shake hand model enabling water from one barrage touching the next barrage. Because of these barrages on Penganga water that is expected to come from that river to us will not come. On an average if 1-3 TMC of water is stalled at every barrage, totally we will be deprived of about 80-100 TMC. At this rate after the rainfall, after the tanks are filled, after crosses the rivers and rivulets, after streams are passed, after medium irrigation projects are overflow yielding surplus waters, after major projects are also filled, after some rain fall and after the barrages are again filled and overflow, then the rainfall if any, we may get water. Without this entire process there are no chances of getting water for our projects. This is what has happened. They built barrage after barrage and arranged lift after lift and they are innumerable. Wherever possible to draw water without going for a barrage they installed a lift directly to our disadvantage. This is the situation with reference to Penganga.  

Maharashtra has not left even one single river. On River Poorna also many medium, major irrigation projects were built. Only after these are filled and overflow followed by filling of minor irrigation tanks water will come to river. Then only we will be able to get water. In this manner, on Penganga, Poorna, Godavari, Krishna, Pravara, Moola, Bhima, and Panchaganga as many as 450+ barrages were built.

None of the allocations of water for these was ever questioned by CWC. Huge investments have gone in to these barrages construction. Can they be destroyed? Is it possible ever? If we touch the farmer there would be bloodshed and they can never be done away. The same situation prevails anywhere on the River Godavari. For instance take Nasik and Triambak….River Godavari originated at Nasikatriambak and flows from there downwards. Small River Pravara that joins Godavari is adjacent to it. Wherever we go we see series of barrages and each gives a shake hand to the next one allowing water to flow from one barrage to the next one. When we see these on Google maps an unambiguous understanding of these can be had. Similarly the reason for not getting even a drop of water into River Manjira is due to barrages near North Sagar or what we call as Jaikwada. There again 132 TMC capacity of water has to come first in to the barrages followed by filling of minor, medium and major irrigation projects of theirs followed by water to us when it is in excess. Non availability of water in Srisailam or SRSP is also because of these barrages. In fact Babble was the last in the series in a way. When we were and still are in such an alarming situation, what were the then Chief Ministers doing? They used to say that Telangana people do not know to administer. On an average of 3 TMC of water that would be stored at every barrage and on the whole if 1200 to 1300 TMC of water is gone in to the pool of Maharashtra resulting in a loss to us, what needs to be done now? Whom to approach? Who should save this state? Is it Supreme Court? Is it Union Government? Is it CWC? Similar situation can be seen at every river connected to Telangana.

Maharashtra is an above riparian state of River Manjira and down below is Karnataka state. There are barrages on Manjira also. Both the states did the way they liked and wanted. Together also they built couple of them. The way they built them is in a way distressing. Let me narrate this aspect. We have two small projects in Nizamabad and Medak districts namely Koulasnala and Nallavagu respectively. Koulasnala with just one TMC capacity has an Ayucut of about 6-8 thousand acres. This is on the border with Maharashtra and above this project is their area. They have built barrages on either side of Koulasnala resulting in non availability of water in to this small project. They have not left even one single opportunity to construct barrage and did wherever possible without hesitation. They pushed us in to a dangerous situation. Even over River Bhima a similar situation prevails. There are number of lifts at the barrages. From one barrage to another there will be connectivity. With about 250 such barrages and lifts all through the rivers they literally have control over the water. Against this background Telangana should plan and design to get its share of water. Then how do we get? For instance no water to SRSP and only when all the barrages are filled and overflow followed by heavy rainfall by the grace of God there is no possibility of getting water in to SRSP.

The inference is, unless favorable conditions for a good rainfall exist once in three-four years, there is absolutely no possibility of getting water in to SRSP. Similar situation is with Singoor for which we are a witness. Luckily the Godavari water is made available to residents of Hyderabad for drinking purpose in a situation where both Gandipet and Osman Sagar tanks have totally dried up. You are all aware of these harsh realities. In such an unfortunate state of affairs should we go for redesigning of the projects or not?

Take for instance the professed two projects in Khammam district namely Rajiv Sagar and Indira Sagar. Both these projects were designed by the previous governments and commenced the work. Meanwhile after the formation of Telangana seven mandals forming part of Khammam district were taken away and were merged in AP. As you are all aware, the head works of Indira Sagar are at Rudramkota on River Godavari. Water has to be drawn there through interior pump houses. With seven mandals got merged in AP these head works and pump houses became part of AP. Then does it require redesigning or not? How is it possible to get water to Telangana without redesigning? This is the case with Indira Sagar.

Yet another development that requires attention and redesigning is that of Rajiv Sagar project. Conspiracies against Telangana appear astonishing and unbelievable too. I remember the day when I was present in the same August House when a controversy was created on Kinnerasani waters. In the integrated state it was argued by the then rulers that water need not be given to Girijans who stay near Kinnerasani. They put forward an argument that it is meant for KTPS power and not for irrigation purpose and hence water need not be given to Girijans. Now we are making efforts to undo the injustice done to them and to provide water at any cost. This is a project dating back to 1960 and was sometime in 64-65. This is a strange story. I don’t think any stupid government would endeavor to do the way it was planned! They conspired to take the water to Dhavaleswaram unmindful of the fact that it would adversely affect the interests of Telangana and would be a death knell of the people here.

The 11 TMC Kinnerasani project which was completed in 1960 on naming as Rajiv Sagar lift irrigation scheme is subjected to yet another conspiracy. It was schemed in such a way that there shall not be any habitation and moment of human beings by notifying it as a wildlife sanctuary from 1996 to 1999. Will any responsible government does like this? In addition to notifying the already completed project as wildlife sanctuary, the then integrated state rulers also declared 10 Kilometers radius of it as eco-zone area which means there cannot be any human moment there. This government has proposed to revive it.

Rajiv Sagar project has to draw water from Dummugudem. From there the proposed canal has to pass through 40 kilometers of wildlife sanctuary area and 22 kilometers length of eco-zone area. This entire distance is part of forest. All these require clearances. How is it possible to get water in such a scenario? Is this the way to design a project? For the Rajiv Sagar project pipeline has been laid to certain extent. So far no clearances for Kinnerasani were obtained. Work on the reservoir was not commenced. Interior works at Dummugudem were also not commenced. For this so called great project already Rs. 1450 Crores was advanced to escalation contractor. The normal practice of purchasing the electro mechanical items likes motors and pumps are only when 60-70 percent of work is completed. Contrary to this large numbers of pipes were purchased at a cost of Rs. 750 Crores and they are all lying idle. Everyone got their share of slush money and commissions. Despite all this there has not been any use with the project till now. Why not we redesign the project? At a time when the tribals of Khammam district are suffering from drought do we need to redesign the project and provide water for them or not? I request for guidance from honorable members in this regard as there are many more projects like this.

Another project that we need to discuss is Devadula lift irrigation scheme designed with an estimation of Rs. 8000 Crores. I had been to this project site personally. There is guest house near it. I reviewed from the same guest house. There is a channel from where water flows to pump house from River Godavari. Even though there is heavy flow of water in the river they do not reach the pump house. When I gave slogan of Jai Telangana in 2001 and addressed a huge public meeting in Warangal city, the then Chief Minister hurriedly went there and laid foundation on the banks of River Godavari. They said that 50 TMC of water is allotted to provide irrigation facility to 5 lakhs acres and would complete the project in 18 months. That was in 2001 and now we are in 2016. If it was TDP government then, for the next 10 years Congress was in power. In normal circumstances 170 days water should be available in the pump house. However even for 60-70 days also there is no possibility to get water. When this questioned it was brushed aside by suggesting us to go for check dams. It was proposed to irrigate 6.20 lakhs acres under regular irrigation and regeneration. After a prolonged discussion a check dam was arranged at Kantanapally at a level of 86%. Subsequently the project got in to an interstate dispute with Chhattisgarh. Nearly 11, 500 acres of tribal lands on either side of Kantanapally would be submerged besides some lands in Chhattisgarh state. I had been to Kantanapally personally and interacted with the people and their representatives who expressed apprehensions on the submerging of lands. We detect same and similar story for every project. Is it required to redesign this project or not? Is it not required to save this project on which already Rs. 8000 Crores was spent? I request you to examine whether we need to get the proposed water to Warangal district or not? To avoid any interstate dispute and to avoid submerge of lands of Adivasis we propose to shift, as part of redesigning, the barrage on Kantanapally side to Tupakulagudem near Kottur. Will this help Telangana people or not?

This is the story everywhere. Coming to southern Telangana in which Mahaboobnagar district known for its migration of labor in lakhs has been left to its fate. Nalgonda district which is the worst sufferer of fluoride has been neglected very badly despite easy solutions to address. As far as Rangareddy district adjacent to Hyderabad is concerned, though it is in River Krishna basin and has right to get water from there, was planned to be provided water from River Godavari. Ridiculously from hundreds of kilometers of faraway place from a project named as Pranahita-Chevella it was proposed to bring water-an unfeasible intention. As we have seen it is not yet implemented and would never be possible. Whole of southern Telangana history of irrigation projects is outrageous.

There is SLBC project in Nalgonda district. This is supposed to be the longest tunnel in the entire world with a distance stretching over 44 kilometers. After this there is one more tunnel of 7 kilometers. These are to be completed and after that aquadits, canals are to be completed and then only there is possibility of getting water. After 1969 agitation when Telangana people demanded for water they were assured that by arranging lifts on Nagarjuna Sagar left canal and by force from Srisailam water would be given through canals. This was however not adhered to. It has totally forgotten. Later there were several discussions on the issue. As usual discussion takes place on Telangana projects but in effect there would not be any outcome. When once the same discussion took place during NT Rama Rao’s period it was debated whether to call this as canal or as lift or as tunnel! There is a stretch of 44 kilometers of tunnel. In this Tunnel Board Machine (TBM) was arranged. Its system is neither it goes forward or moves backward. All over the world it works in a manner where in from both sides-front and back-it starts digging and proceeding in opposite directions for early completion. When once the work is completed the machine would be left at the place where there is will be a joining after digging from both the sides. The machine will be left at that place and would be made to dysfunction or dead literally. It will be not taken out and this is the mechanism of TBM all over the world.

The Tunnel Board Machines are kept inside the tunnel as they cannot be brought back. When enquired engineers said it might take another 3 years to complete the work. As when Srisailam is filled with water it enters in to tunnel requiring stoppage of work and clearing the water. Added to this it is declared a tiger valley and human moment is objectionable there. If anyone goes environmentalists agitate and approach the courts. Neither light nor wind can enter in to tunnels. In the tunnel from one end to another end air would be pumped enabling the worker to inhale it and continue the work. The machine while continue to dig, simultaneously does the work of lining at the back of it. There is no way to withdraw this machine unless we attempt to destroy the already finished lining. When asked the union environment minister he suggested to us to make specific application for consideration to make two more shots in between. The efforts are afoot. Is this the way to plan a project? Is this the way to give water? Is it possible at this rate to get water at least in the next couple of years? This is the fate of SLBC!

In Palamoor-Mahaboobnagar district, the Kalwakrti ongoing project is in pending. There is paucity of funds to complete it. Just a couple of lifts and canals work only has been done so far without any reservoirs. No where there is a provision for storage capacity. After TRS government came to power a fresh arrangement has been envisaged to expand the capacity of tanks making way for about 20 TMC of storage for which the survey is in the process. When this happens it would be possible for that project to become a comprehensive one. Intensive efforts are on to provide water for irrigating a lakh and fifty thousand acres of land out of the proposed three lakh acres. Towards this machinery related works are going on at two places namely Jonnalagadda and Gudipalli. By 2017 the total Ayucut of three lakh acres would get water certainly. Meanwhile if all is well the storage capacity will also be increased to make the Kalwakrti lift irrigation project as a complete and comprehensive project.

Yet another lift irrigation scheme is that of Bhima which has an assured water allocation. It is almost in a finishing stage with about 95% of the works having been completed. However it is not possible to provide water from the project by completing it totally since the distribution canal works are yet to be completed. In view of this water would be given from this project partially this year and totally by next year.

Lot of injustice has been done to us in RDS scheme. The whole of Nadigadda got damaged. To facilitate Nadigadda area we have a lift at Nettampadu. That is also about to be completed. In addition to this, to make available to another 25 thousand acres in Gattumandalam through reservoir in Relampadu near the second lift a plan has been drawn and estimates of expenditure has been worked out. This means, an additional 25 thousand acres, over and above the proposed Ayucut of Nettampadu, will come under irrigation. Instructions have also been issued to undertake repairs at the underneath part of RDS to compensate the loss of RDS by way of providing lift irrigation to make available 16 TMC of water at Tummilla. This work would be commenced soon. The RDS Ayucut will be totally regained by completing Tummilla lift at any cost.

In all eight (8) lakh acres, either though old or ongoing or by way of additional provision, will come under irrigation in Mahaboobnagar district. In addition to this to provide water for another seven (7) lakh acres in Mahaboobnagar district and five (5) lakh acres in Rangareddy district the Palamoor lift irrigation scheme has been designed. The entire planning and design of this scheme is done by the Telangana government. High Court recently has also given complete clarity on this and hence we will go ahead with the works. Elected representatives of Mahaboobnagar district like MPs and MLAs have evinced keen interest in land procurement for the project.

Why redesigning has become necessitated may be understood if we keenly study the way these were planned earlier. The Kalwakrti Lift Irrigation Scheme related motors are near Srisailam reservoir with a plan to draw water from there. They planned for the Yelluru reservoir for storage where not even point three or point four TMC water is even possible. This has to be constantly and continuously subjected to filling. While conceiving Palamoor lift irrigation scheme I requested the engineers and experts to explore the possibilities of going for a reservoir at a place between two or three hills at a height. This has now become a 10 TMC project and thus for the Palamoor lift irrigation scheme the first one would be that of Narlapoor project. If we analyze the reasons and try to understand as to why in the then integrated state the rulers were not able to make efforts like this the answer we get is that they had no intention to provide water to Telangana. The site now we proposed is adjacent to the same Yelluru and not far from it. This does not require any great research. They planned for Yelluru system but not planned for reservoir of this capacity. They had no intention to give water and that was our fate then. Now in our redesigning we made it a 10 TMC project. In the second stage there is Edula reservoir of 6.55 TMC and similarly after it the Vattem reservoir with 16.58 TMC. Vattem farms part of Nagarkurnool assembly segment. From here without lifting, water will flow to Karvina reservoir of 19.50 TMC at Devarakadra in Jadcherla segment. Then there is Uddandapur reservoir of 16 TMC in the same segment of Jadcherla. This way the project has been designed or redesigned and tenders have been called for to proceed further.

Now we come to Laxmidevipally which is at a height of 670 meters in Kondur mandal of Shadnagar assembly segment. This is the highest area in the entire Telangana and when once we are able to get water here, it becomes very easy to send water from this reservoir to anywhere. Thus from here water will be provided to Kondur mandal, Faarookanagar mandal and Kesampadu mandal. There is also a possibility to give water from here to Ibrahimpatnam. That is how this has been thought of and planned accordingly. From here without using lift water would reach Anantaram reservoir of 8.4 TMC. Hemasamudram is nearby to this. From out of this 8.4 TMC reservoir ample water would be provided to Kodangal mandal of Kodangal segment and also to Narayanpet assembly segment. From the same Anantaram reservoir through canal water would reach Tandur, Vikarabad, Chevella and Parigi of Rangareddy district. In this way five (5) lakh acres will come under irrigation for both west and east parts of Rangareddy put together. In Mahaboobnagar district seven (7) lakh acres will be irrigated. Thus the Palamoor Lift Irrigation Scheme at a cost of Rs. 35, 000 has been designed to fully utilize our rightful share of water. This would convert the entire Mahaboobnagar district in to a fertile field and put an end to migration once for all. I would personally monitor the progress of construction from time to time and see to its rapid completion.

Let us now examine the Dindi project. This was built during Nizam’s time by Nizam. From this reservoir we get water to Munugodu and Devarakonda in Nalgonda district. We are examining the possibilities of getting more water to irrigate three lakh acres through gravity after the second lift there. Decision is pending as of now. In the process, in addition to water for irrigation to Munugodu and Devarakonda areas and also to Choutappal through gravity where we touch National Highway to Hyderabad, it is planned to take it further to Hyderabad city for drinking purposes. As of now the drinking water set-up in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area is not satisfactory. It would be about 170 kilometers distance if we get from River Krishna and would be anywhere 200 kilometers if we draw from River Godavari. God forbidden, if anything happens, and if on the way any serious damage takes place, Hyderabad may have to suffer for few days. We need to overcome this problem.

In such a case what should happen to a city of more than a crore population? Irrespective of water coming from River Godavari and River Krishna, Hyderabad in both sides of the city should be provided with two dedicated reservoirs exclusively for drinking water purpose of 20-30 TMC storage each. One could be at Rachakonda hill range near Ramoji Film City and the other near Shameerpet. This would enable Hyderabad city to have a permanent solution of drinking water for the next 50 years to come.

Two more projects in Nalgonda district are that of Brahmanvellam and Udayasamudram. Works on these are about to be completed. If we spend another Rs. 230 Crores there is every possibility of getting water for a lakh of acres and this would be achieved in a year’s time. Thus in accordance with the redesigning plan of this Government Palamoor, Rangareddy and Nalgonda districts would get water through Palamoor Lift Irrigation Scheme. On completion of Udayasamudram and Brahmanvellam balancing reservoir works passing through Munugodu and Devarakonda water would reach Hyderabad for drinking water purpose. By way of completing SLBC water to Palamoor district would be made available. Through Kalwakrti, Nettampadu and Bhima lift irrigation and through Tummilla lift RDS Ayucut will be totally regained. Then to Gattumandalam through reservoir in Relampadu another 25 thousand acres would be brought under irrigation. Thus the southern part of Telangana will get its full capacity of water for irrigation.

Let me now refer to Khammam district projects. Both Indira Sagar and Rajiv Sagar projects have become redundant. In view of this as part of redesigning of projects and in line with reports given by our expert engineers, by way of drawing 60 TMC of water from Dummugudem through a separate alignment, without any litigation and controversy, Rollapadu reservoir is being constructed. In the earlier design nowhere we find a storage facility barring diminutive and marginal tanks and water structures. If we really look forward to get the water and let it to flow to the fields consistently, even if a problem arises either mechanically or otherwise, it is crucial to have storage of 10 or 20 TMC. This would be given a thought only if the government has a real concern to farmer. This did not happen in the integrated state. By way of redesigning and thus constructing 19 TMC reservoir at Rollapadu, in addition to NSP canal irrigated area, another six (6) lakh acres in Khammam district will be brought under cultivation. Khammam is a district which comes under both River Krishna and River Godavari basins. By getting water from both the rivers the district would become a grand productive area on par and in competition with the Godavari districts of AP. This would be a project aimed at early completion. By the end of this term of our government it would be completed and water would be given. Concurrently as has been already illustrated by way of constructing a barrage Devadula project would be taken care of to provide water to six (6) lakh acres to Warangal district. Independent of Khammam district, the three southern districts namely Rangareddy, Nalgonda and Palamoor water would be made available.

Yet another independent entity is Adilabad district. The district can be compared to Kashmir. However neither the nature nor the earlier governments have shown any benevolence on this district. As a result, despite substantial and adequate rainfall in the district, famine conditions prevailed for several years. People resorted to migration at times. There are as many as six medium irrigation projects in the district left incomplete. There is a possibility of Rallyvagu and Mattadivagu projects getting completed during this season. By next year Gollavagu, Neeluvai and Jagannathapuram projects would be completed. The remaining project-Komaram Bhim-will be completed totally by 2018 end. One more barrage at a cost of Rs. 500 Crores is envisaged on Sadarmart. This would benefit two districts. The Ayucut of Sadarmart in Adilabad district would increase from 12, 000 acres to 20, 000 acres. Ganganala project provides water sufficiently to the Ayucut in Korutla assembly segment stabilizing about 4500 acres. This too will be expedited and completed soon.

Near Kubti adjacent to national highway on Kademvagu the Kubti project is planned. It is in the stage of preparation of detailed project report (DPR). The advantage with this is to be able to give water to parts of Both assembly segment and then stabilize. The Kunthala waterfall project is a tourist attraction. When there is shortage of water in Kadem reservoir water can be released from here and by that the Kadem Ayucut could be stabilized. Kubti reservoir is of 6. 5 TMC. Funds for this project will be made available and the project will be completed. Recently for the Kadem Ayucut gap the Gudem lift irrigation work commenced by me and have been completed. Its results will also reach the people of that area. 

As far as the Pranahita Chevella package envisaging irrigation facility in Nirmal and Muthol constituencies in Adilabad district is concerned there is no redesigning. The works are in progress and there would be no hurdles as such. In the khagaznagar constituency in East Adilabad a peculiar situation exists wherein during rains people face traffic disruption and in non-monsoon season there would be acute drinking water problem. This calls for a complete action plan to bring water there. As mentioned earlier the Government is in the process of completing the six (6) medium irrigation projects in the district, the Sadarmart barrage and the Pranahita Chevella package meant for the district to enable supply of water to Muthol and Nirmal. Afterwards, in accordance with the MoU with Maharashtra Government, from the Tambhidihatti reservoir instead of the 50 thousand acres proposed by the earlier government, we will give water to irrigate two (2) lakh acres.

In the process the whole of the Adilabad district will be brought under irrigation. Parallely and in continuation Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Medak and parts of Nalgonda districts would be brought under irrigation.

Lower Penganga project in the Adilabad district is a big joke and a comic story! Despite a long wait of about 50 years the project is yet to be completed and there is no hope of its getting completed at all. Congress leaders have been repeatedly saying that MoU with Maharashtra is not a new one. May be it is true…may be Penganga and Lendi projects are not new…but…the only difference is the efforts of Jalagam Vengala Rao and SB Chavan did not yield any result and did not make it possible to get water. There may be a project for name sake and for history sake but no water to come to the fields!

Following a series of meetings between our irrigation officials and irrigation minister with their counter parts in Maharashtra I had been to Maharashtra to have a meeting with CM. Such decisions require lots of clarities to be given and to be obtained and also require a thorough understanding by both the states. With a specific intention to come to an understanding on Lendi, Penganga and Pranahita Chevella with Maharashtra Government I went there to meet CM. We had a discussion then on couple of issues concerned to both the states. Later Irrigation Minister and team of ministers from Adilabad together went to Maharashtra couple of times. Their mission was successful and returned with an alternate proposal to provide water from Penganga. Maharashtra Government expressed the view that if a barrage is constructed as per 1974 agreement, 34 villages in Maharashtra get submerged and hence that would not be acceptable to them. Instead they proposed an alternate model in the form of Chanakha-Korata barrage to be constructed by us and two barrages to be built by Maharashtra from where also we have a share of waters. Through this arrangement we will get water for more than 60, 000 acres of Bela, Thamsi and Jainat mandals in the next two-three years to come.

There is also a long pending demand to have a check dam near Basara. There is an IIT also at Basara. Basara has also a great and famous Saraswathi Temple. The place is also facing acute drinking water problem. In view of all this instructions have been issued for constructing a check dam for which DPR is ready. It will be completed soon.

            I have mentioned so far about the independent and exclusive project of Adilabad, projects meant for Khammam, parts of Warangal through Devadula, Mahaboobnagar, Rangareddy and Nalgonda districts as well as drinking water requirement to Hyderabad city. Rest of the four districts depends on water from Pranahita-Chevella. There has                been a deep-rooted conspiracy in its idea and design. The integrated state and its governments had never an intention to take-up and complete this project. This I have been repeatedly and from time to time explaining everywhere. First, as far as River Krishna is concerned, they behaved as if it is their right to use or misuse its waters. As you are all aware, notwithstanding protests from all of us (Uttam Kumar Reddy, Komatireddy Venkatreddy etc), with the security help of 500-600 armed police Rajashekhar Reddy constructed Pulichintala project. Neither there was a clearance for it nor allocations of water. Unethically and without permissions they built several such projects taking water from Srisailam.

            There is only just 19 TMC of allocation of assured water for Telugu Ganga. It was expanded on the excuse of Pothireddipadu canal to 65, 000 cusecs. There was division above Velugodu from where we have three canals and even one more too. There is a deep cut at Bankacharla. There was no one to question Rajashekhar Reddy and his team and no one’s opinion was taken note of. Harish Rao, Etela Rajendra and many others protested in this house and even outside. I was a union minister then and when I raised this issue with Sonia Gandhi she called Rajashekhar Reddy to Delhi and the matter was discussed in her presence. There was however no fruitful result. The then Telangana (congress) leadership did not offer any meaningful resistance. Pulichintala Project was built and on the name of Pothireddipadu 65, 000 cusecs was drawn. Thousands of crores of investments flown in to variety of projects numbering more than 20+ like that of Galernagari, Hundriniva, Velugodu and Veligonda etc. All of these were completed. They literally consumed each TMC of water and left River Krishna waterless for Telangana. From then onwards Rajashekhar Reddy turned to River Godavari with an intention to expedite Polavaram project to begin with.

            Rajashekhar Reddy is aware that there is an agitation going on for separate Telangana state, He also knows that the people of Telangana are innocent and can easily be convinced. He designed a grand story in the form of Pranahita-Chevella project trying to convince people of Telangana and prepare them to confront leaders of movement on the alleged reason that his government is building projects for Telangana also. The shaggy dog story is that, this project is conceived with a storage capacity of 16 TMC and would irrigate 16. 45 lakhs acres! Tambhidihatti with a capacity of 5 TMC is the place where the project would come up as per his design. With this, is it possible to irrigate 16.45 lakh acres? It was envisaged to have six stage lift and by the time it reaches Chevella to have one more lift. Technically there are flaws in this since even a small mechanical problem to one single motor on the way would adversely affect flow of water and the entire scheme would be in doldrums. It is a known practice to have storage reservoirs in between the project site and ultimate destination of flow with 20 or 30 or 50 TMC as the case may be, which would ensure uninterrupted water supply to the entire Ayucut. This system is not inherent in this scheme at all.

            Yet another problem that was created while designing the project is the necessity to pass through wildlife areas like Chaprala. For the each and every Telangana project should be involved in wildlife issue or environmental issue or interstate dispute. The barrage length is planned to be 7 kilometers with 3 kilometers of mud finish and 4 kilometers of cement finish. We should however go for this project but not with this design. More than 3, 000 acres would be submerged here. Out of these more than two thirds belong to Maharashtra and the rest ours. They have already built barrages and projects including one on Penganga above us.

            There are Rivers Penganga and Venuganga as well as another river known as Wardha. Rivers Penganga and Venuganga merge at Tambhidihatti and then it is known as Pranahita. Water from Pranahita flow down to Kaleshwaram and join River Godavari. This is history and geography. Madhya Pradesh government also built a dam at Jabalpur. There is a lift and barrage also near the dam. These details are not available with CWC nor do they attempt to obtain from the concerned state. Maharashtra as already explained built several barrages and lifts both on Rivers Penganga and Venuganga. There are 40 lifts on Penganga. When I had been to Maharashtra I was told by them that between the two rivers they have their villages in large numbers. It is like a delta area and they can go for any number of bore wells and draw water adequately. They raised objection for their submergence. It is not true that Congress leaders while in power obtained consent of Maharashtra government for a height of 152 meters at Tambhidihatti and TRS government has reduced it! This a canard spread by Congress leaders and there was no agreement at all and not even a basketful of mud was taken out at the project site as of now. They however wasted Rs. 8000 crores on tunnel works for Chevella and purchasing pipes but not a single rupee for the construction of project.

            As part of this an amount of Rs. 1400 crores was released for the package meant to take water from Pranahita to Yellampalli. Out of this Rs. 700 was spent for electro mechanical pipes and the remaining has not been utilized. Is this the way to construct a project? When I met Maharashtra CM and discussed on the project he made it very clear that Telangana has its share of water in River Godavari and they have no objection for our using them. He even told that instead of 160 TMC we may utilize 180 TMC also. He however objected to the project location as it would submerge large number of their villages. He also mentioned about the stage when there were congress governments in both the states and also at the center but could not arrive at an agreement. He also shown a news paper clipping of what went before while the CM Maharashtra was BJP floor leader in the Assembly and in that capacity fought against the project. His native district is Chandrapur adjacent to Adilabad where he too has ancestral lands and where his family lives.

            Devender Fadnavis who even got arrested when he agitated against the project at the site, questioned, as to how he would now agree for the same site. He said if he does the congress party would put him down and blame. Congress party has a dual stand. Its Telangana wing takes one stand, AP counterpart a different stand and that of Maharashtra yet another stand. They however state that theirs is a National Party in which case it should have a uniform policy on interstate issues. From one side Maharashtra Congress strongly oppose 158 meters height and from the other side Congress Party here demands for 158 meters height. It’s a double characteristic of this National Party. 

            In the letter written by former CM Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan to former CM AP Kiran kumar Reddy it is mentioned that: “no full-fledged agreement has been reached yet between us. The Tambhidihatti barrage issue is still at the discussion stage only. Even then you are proceeding with it illegally. You are awarding contracts worth crores of rupees and spending money. The expenditure which you are incurring will result in un-fruitful expenditure”. AP CM Kiran Kumar Reddy in response to it replied that they will not proceed further and will go along with Maharashtra line of thinking. The inference is that there was no agreement as such between the two states. CWC too raised number of objections on this. In successive discussions it has come out that Maharashtra has no objection what so ever it may be for Telangana utilizing waters in Adilabad district from the River but has a strong objection with regards its height. The Maharashtra government accepted for a height of 148 meters. Maharashtra Government also agreed to facilitate drawing of water from their side because their objection is not for giving water but for the proposed height. Later I had a discussion with the concerned officers, experts and engineers and disclosed my idea and then proceeded with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) survey. There was a meticulous discussion and pros and cons of the issue. The outcome of this is the proposal for a barrage at Kaleshwaram and Medigadda reservoir.

            At one point of time and on going through the details of works that are already in progress I smelt some sort of conspiracy. By the time it came to my notice around Rs. 1100 crores of payments were made since we cannot deny for the completed works. Later I instructed for stoppage of works. Then, at that stage, another alarming truth came to limelight. WAPCOS Limited, a Public Sector Enterprise under the aegis of the Union Government, comprising of its own core group of professionals and specialists, gave the final report during Rajasekhara Reddy time for this project. Sambhu Azad now the General Manager of the team then conducted a survey and gave report in favor of Tambhidihatti site. When I asked him and his team to show a correct way out to get water from there the reply was that Tambhidihatti was not their first choice. in reality anyone would prefer to draw water from main River Godavari but not from somewhere. Waters from Tambhidihatti and Pranahita reach automatically River Godavari without spending even a single rupee. From other different source s also water joins River Godavari. More water is available near Kaleshwaram than at Tambhidihatti. When I asked WAPCOS, that, in view of this, the barrage should have been preferred near Kaleshwaram and not at Tambhidihatti and the report should have been given accordingly, their reply was they were forced to give by the then CM.

            My next clarification sought from them was how we proceed now to develop Telangana and how do we get water in a better manner. The reply was to construct barrage on the main River Godavari as more water availability is there and at Tambhidihatti. In support of this and with regards to the availability of water both at Tambhidihatti and Kaleshwaram, we may refer to CWC report based on 47 years of record. Accordingly the availability of water at Tambhidihatti is: June month 49 TMC, July 240 TMC, August 420 TMC, September 279 TMC and in October 88 TMC.  The average availability in a year is 1144 TMC. However the water availability at Kaleshwaram is: June month 50. 9 TMC, July 299 TMC, August 507 TMC, September 423 TMC, October 176 TMC and in November 38 TMC. The average availability in a year is 1651 TMC. Thus an increase of 500+ TMC of water availability by the time we reach River Godavari at Kaleshwaram from Tambhidihatti. This is the record of CWC. The plan of Rajasekhara Reddy was to involve this project in perpetual litigation either by way of interstate dispute or by way of passing through wildlife sanctuary or through Singareni mines or ecological issues and stall water from irrigating Telangana fields. Alternately the extra water available at Kaleshwaram should flow to Dhavaleswaram even if the project is built at Tambhidihatti after formation of Telangana. Do we draw water from a source of more availability or from less availability? Is the question concerned is height? Or making use of more water? It is for this House and the Honorable members to decide please. Now we have understood that the water availability at Tambhidihatti is 1144 TMC and near Kaleshwaram is 1651 TMC. However, the availability of water at Perur after the merger of River Indrāvati is 2400 TMC. Every year this is the average for the past 47 years.

            Now let me give more details of Medigadda barrage. Maharashtra is not in favor of Tambhidihatti where the capacity is a meager 5 TMC. Then we mentioned to them about Medigadda barrage for which they not only did not raise any objection but also agreed for the height of 101 meters that we proposed. This would enable us to get an additional 3 TMC of water. The storage capacity here would be 16. 17 TMC. In all it would be almost 20TMC. If we go for 101 meters height for which they agreed we get three times more water than at Tambhidihatti and additionally another 16.17 TMC. Here all through the year-365 days-there is water availability. When once this barrage is completed, water would be stored from Medigadda to Pranahita for 54 kilometers and would be helpful to both Maharashtra and Telangana. Moreover, in the main River Godavari, for 28 kilometers water would be available. Kaleshwaram may be developed as a great pilgrimage and tourist center. If required we may have a provision here to lift 3 TMC of water daily.

            In future whether we will be there or not, the Telangana state shall exist. Let this Medigadda barrage scheme be implemented. Similarly without any issues with Chhattisgarh on Devadula scheme and without any of that state’s villages get submerged we would build a barrage at Tupakulagudem which would be a little away after the River Indrāvati merges River Godavari. Here we have on an average 2400 TMC of water.

            After constructing barrage at Medigadda and developing a township there and in the process of getting water through pump houses, if at all any shortage at any point of time, there is plenty of opportunity to draw water from River Indrāvati. If we dig a canal of 15 kilometers length from Manthani of Karimnagar district and get water through it, without going for another barrage and by simply lifting it for about 10 meters in to the project, it would run without any problem. There is a multiple benefit like this. Water from Pranahita, Kadem, Adilabad, Maner, Karimnagar and down below SRSP will be able to draw only when barrage is constructed at Medigadda. These are all will be advantageous to us in the process. In addition, whenever required and in inevitability, we may tap water from River Indrāvati.

            Against this background and reality picture and reasons detailed when an attempt has been made for redesigning the project there is a furor and uncalled for allegations from some corners that we surrendered to Maharashtra and stooped down and parted with our self respect. These are all groundless arguments without any minimum perceptive of the problem and certainly far from truth. Telangana is a new state. It should survive for long and continue to exist on its own. Is the 16 TMC Medigadda barrage better or the 5 TMC barrage at Tambhidihatti better? Should we quarrel with Maharashtra and get on well with them to get our share of water? We have seen number of barrages and lifts on River Godavari. We have a complete idea and understanding of Maharashtra way of thinking. I am sure after the Medigadda barrage is constructed they will not indulge in a Babble type of project once again. If they go for heavy lifts above us on the River, probably we will not be able to do anything. Here we have lot of potential for water and we will have tremendous advantage. With number of projects, barrages and lifts constructed by Maharashtra and Karnataka we have no hopes of getting water with the earlier designs.

            The serious question before us is whether we should plan to utilize our share of water of 1300 TMC as per the allocations made in integrated state including that of 954 TMC from River Godavari. After Maharashtra and Karnataka built barrages there are little chances of getting water. This truth is disclosed even by CWC. In view of all this authenticity, the one and only possibility to obtain water from River Godavari is through Pranahita and Indrāvati. In future, if required, as and when there might be water scarcity in River Krishna, possibilities of drawing water from this pint are abundant. This is an issue concerned to generations and generations of Telangana people.

            Opposition members pointed out that the estimated cost of the project is enhanced from Rs. 38, 000 crores to Rs. 83, 000 crores. As a matter of fact up to Chevella the original plan of water availability was put at 16.3 TMC…..at Tambhidihatti 5 TMC, Medaram 0.5 TMC, Malkapet 0.35 TMC, Ananthagiri 1.70 TMC, Imamabad 1.5 TMC, Tadakapalli 1.5 TMC, Pamulaparthi 1.00 TMC, Baswapur 8.00 TMC, Chevella 3.00 TMC and Tipparam 1.00 TMC. They made us believe that with this 16.3 TMC water 16, 40, 000 acres would be brought under irrigation in Telangana! But today due to this redesigning there is an increase from 16.3 TMC to 200 TMC and a result, it goes without saying that the cost also would automatically escalate. What is wrong in this? I don’t think the projects would be formed in the sky and are dropped from there just like that. What we planned is to go for a barrage at Tambhidihatti at a height of 148 meters as agreed to by Maharashtra, and with 1.82 TMC of water that would be available there, provide irrigation to two (2) lakh acres in Adilabad district alone.

At the same time at Medigadda we will construct a barrage with 100 meters height or if agreed to by Maharashtra to go for 101 meters. In the first case there would be 16TMC capacity and if increased it would be 19.7TMC or almost 20TMC capacity. After Annaram barrage, without any submerge of Godavari Ayucut lands, keeping the River live, it is planned to have a capacity of 3.62TMC at Annaram and 1.5TMC at Sundilla barrage on River Godavari. The earlier government’s plan was only to provide 0.58TMC at Medaram. This also requires to increase and as there is a possibility for it, we will take it to a level of 3-4TMC. Similarly at Malkapet the increase is to 3TMC from 0.35TMC. Earlier at Ananthagiri it was of 1TMC and now it is increased to 3.5TMC. Imamabad will have 80TMC or even more. Next it would be Mallannasagar which is named after Komarelli Mallanna, since it is felt that by naming after Gods the projects will be expeditiously completer by their grace.

Thus in the order the reservoirs that are planned are: 50TMC Mallannasagar, 21TMC Kondapochamma Project near Pamulaparthi, 14.5TMC Baswapur Project in Bhuvanagiri assembly segment, 9.84TMC Gandhamarri Project in Aler assembly segment, 2.90TMC reservoir at Mote in Yellareddy assembly segment, 1.5TMC Gujjuvana and 5TMC Katevadi Projects in the same segment and 5TMC Tallamada reservoir, 3TMC Timmakapally, 2.5TMC Kachapur reservoir and 2.5TMC Isaipet reservoir all in Kamareddy segment. There is tank called Konda near Manchippa in Nizamabad district where with a negligible capacity it was planned earlier to have a reservoir. We increased it to 5TMC now. For the drinking water supply to Hyderabad city a reservoir with 20TMC is designed at Shameerpet. Reservoirs in Husnabad assembly segment which are part of flood flow canal were of tiny capacity earlier. Now we brought up the capacity of Gouravelli to 8.23TMC and that of Gandipet to 1TMC. All these put together the redesigning of the project makes it absolutely potential for a provision of 200TMC of water enabling irrigation completely, comprehensively and effectively.

When the project is redesigned to meet the needs completely and when the capacity has been increased multifold automatically the cost of construction also increases in tune with it. The estimated project cost of Rs. 83, 000 crores also include the already spent amount of Rs. 8000 crores. People should know the facts and this House is the right forum for the people to know. Cost rates and value of money in 2007 is not the same as that of in 2016. 

River Godavari is seen live, striking and perennial in the entire Maharashtra wherever we go and see. I foresee a similar picture in our great Telangana which was subjected to disregard in the integrated state. Now, in future, from Medigadda reservoir towards Sundilla and Annaram barrages the river flows live. When the water reaches Sundilla from there till Yellampalli availability of water is assured. The already built Yellampalli reservoir where there is less water this year will be filled to its full capacity of 20TMC next year. From Yellampalli passing through Rayapatnam bridge up to Jaina near Dharmapuri the river will flow live. From here if we can make SRSP live till River Godavari it would become 20 kilometers of live river. In between there is Sadharapadu barrage and couple of more barrages are built, then, from Sriramsagar to Medigadda and Indrāvati River Godavari will be in complete and full form and will have a live flow of water. Imagine a situation of this nature of dynamism in the flow in River Godavari wherein the river basin would be in a better position and wherein the fishermen get immensely benefited. Similarly farmers of Adilabad and Karimnagar districts through an arrangement of small lifts on either side of barrages will be in a position to irrigate their fields. From Medigadda to SRSP all along the 200 kilometers stretch there will be vegetation and affluent agriculture fields all through the year and on all the 365 days. The pasture, the rivulet, the livestock, the bird etc will all be blossoming.

While this is the reality, the earlier governments commenced the tunnel works as part of Pranahita-Chevella project. Here again there was a deep-rooted conspiracy behind this entire scheme of things. I must explain all this to the people. There is a lift at Yellampalli where I suggested increase in the capacity of the reservoir. It was conceived earlier to put 2TMC water in the reservoir and lift from there. This is scientifically and technically not practicable. Even though it is difficult to increase the capacity, the engineers are working for a solution. There is SRSP flood canal and Kakatiya main canal and it was proposed earlier to bring water from Sriramsagar to Nizamabad and Adilabad. To have water there, they proposed to take water from Pranahita. This has neither barrage, nor storage nor capacity. In the absence of a reservoir when water is brought in to the Kakatiya canal, it requires continuous flow which again is unscientific. Hence, in the redesigning, to ensure continuous water flow, a reservoir would be built near Pattipaka with 5.5TMC capacity.

With all this the entire Ayucut will be safe for irrigation without any obstacles. Even if a motor gives trouble water would flow. This way it was not designed earlier. The existing tunnels are smaller in capacity they would be made bigger and by that 2TMC of water would be made available to MMD. If we have an understanding of what is the flood flow canal, where Mid Maner Dam (MMD) is and where Lower Maner Dam (LMD) near Karimnagar is, then we know the entire system. Works are in progress to retain 3TMC of water in the MMD by next June. The Maner stream starting from Kammarapalli in Nizamabad district passes through Vemulavada temple town and joins the River Maner. Then there is the MMD Project. It has the barrage, gates and shutters. After MMD we have LMD and Maner flow. If there is water availability in MMD but not in LMD there has to be a mechanism to send water there. Here it is very simple and by lifting gates it is possible. This probably any lay man will understand. It does not require any engineering skill. It also does not incur any cost. However there is a canal which is yet to be completed in between and right under the MMD dam. It was dug with huge expenditure including compensation for land acquisition. This instead of being useful harms the people around and nearby as it overflows whenever there is flood flow. The fields around Kollapeta and Manamdu get inundated leading to protest from the farmers. As the canal is yet to be completed each time this takes place government may have to pay compensation for the loss due to canal floods.

In the redesigning it is proposed to bring 2TMC of water from Yellampalli to MMD. Water has to be given through a parallel channel to the one already existing, to Aler, Bhuvanagiri, entire Medak district and Kamareddy and Yellareddy in Nizamabad district besides ensuring water to the already existing Ayucut. We have increased the capacity of MMD and Ananthagiri reservoir and that of Imamabad to be increased. Major portion in my assembly segment is also likely to submerge. The Mallannasagar Project with 50TMC capacity will be a multiple benefit one because water from here reaches Aler and Bhuvanagiri. Even to fill Singoor or Nizamsagar water can be set in motion from here through gravity there. Once the water reaches here there is no necessity to go for any lift here. Alignment of channels meant for Singoor is under finalization stage.

Nizamsagar Project of 58TMC was constructed by Asaf Jahi Nizams which is now totally dried-up. Crops in the Ayucut are getting damaged. Our redesigning will bring back the past glory to Nizamsagar and the entire three (3) lakh acres Ayucut of it will be perfectly brought under assured irrigation. This is in addition to the newly proposed 16, 40, 000 acres.

Now we have the Haldi Project on River Haldi. If water can be reached to Haldi it can be further pushed down to reach Koppulapalli. As already mentioned without spending even a single rupee, water would flow to Nizamsagar from Mallannasagar through gravity passing through canal without arranging a lift. Once water reaches Nizamsagar, from there, automatically it can flow to Sriramsagar Project. This way this redesigning will help in rejuvenating SRSP and Nizamsagar which got dried-up due to the situation arising out of series of barrages built over River Godavari by Maharashtra Government. We must save these two under any circumstances. The Kaleshwaram barrage will convert the entire northern part of Telangana a fertile land and the agriculture there will flourish with grandeur.

When once water from River Godavari reaches Mid Maner, Warangal district would look like the present day Godavari districts in AP. The reason is, in addition to the six (6) lakh acres that is under irrigation through Devadula project, an another four (4) lakh acres would be brought under irrigation in the district through MMD and LMD. This would be possible because MMD will have 25TMC and LMD will have another 25TMC and out of this total 50TMC requirement for Karimnagar district would be only 10TMC for irrigating a lakh acres. The remaining 40TMC would be to benefit Warangal district. Maximum benefit and to be benefited first of all, through Kaleshwaram project, would be Warangal district which today is almost waterless. Let alone the Kaleshwaram link and even if it takes little more time, if there are sufficient rains in Kadem and thereby Yellampalli gets water full, then again from there MMD can get water. In the process even if Medak gets water bit delayed, for Warangal, there would be no problem at all and it gets immediate benefit. My understanding is, that, by 2017 MMD will be completely full either way and Warangal district would be completely benefited. From the other side if we can complete Devadula and get it connected to MMD both Warangal and Karimnagar districts get benefited.

The story of irrigation projects is an unending one. For instance let us take the Kakatiya main canal original design with a capacity of 8-9 thousand cusecs. Never in its history had more than 3 to 3.5 thousand cusecs water flown in it. Though some supplementary lining work was done due to the efforts of the then irrigation minister in TDP cabinet (Kadiyam Srihari) its flow capacity never increased to more than 4 to 5 thousand cusecs. Unless the capacity of either Kakatiya canal or the one down the line enhanced to 8 to9 thousand cusecs, it is impossible for the Warangal district to get water. When enquired, engineers disclosed that the structure of it is improper and needs to be rectified. To repair and set it right an amount of Rs. 200 crores has been sanctioned and the works are on. Thus the canal which had just 3 to 3.5 cusecs capacity is now increased to 8 thousand cusecs. Obviously the earlier governments had never had an intention to complete the Pranahita-Chevella project and they never wanted to give water to Telangana through it. Now that Telangana state is in existence all such projects have been subjected to redesigning to suit to the needs of the state. Wherever we go we are asked to provide water for irrigation. Since it is our responsibility to provide as they requested we are working in that direction. Come what may and notwithstanding any hurdle on the way and in our efforts, our journey continues. None can stop us and any attempt by anyone would be futile and they will end of in hallucination.

This Government will do its best to fulfill all that has been promised in the election manifesto. Under any circumstances and even at the cost of our lives, one crore acres of land will be brought under cultivation to create Golden and Diamond Telangana. Earlier in the integrated state all put together, about 20 lakh acres was under irrigation in Telangana. The composition of these 20 lakhs comprises of three (3) lakh acres under Nizamsagar, five (5) lakh acres under medium irrigation projects developed by Kakatiya and Asaf Jahi rulers and fifteen (15) lakh acres under minor irrigation. However in the course of time number of tanks providing minor irrigation were destroyed in the erstwhile regimes reducing the Ayucut under minor irrigation. When we have drawn a scheme to rejuvenate the chain of tanks under Mission Kakatiya we are left with a little over 46, 000 tanks. When once this mission is completed at least 10-12 lakh more acres will be brought under cultivation. As of now for the entire Telangana under minor, medium and major irrigation the total acreage being irrigated is just 19 lakh acres. This I want to place on record in this August House for reference of future generations. The 58 years of lengthy and painful journey of Telangana in the integrated state is full of cheating, deceitful and deceiving. This has to be recognized and realized by the Honorable Members.

As you are all aware Telangana has rightful share of 954TMC in River Godavari. This fact and also about the share of AP has come-up for discussion with AP CM in one of our meetings. Recently on the eve of performing a Great Ritual, to extend an invitation to AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, I had been to Vijayawada and had a formal luncheon meeting with him. He is a good friend of mine. I believe that whether we live in AP or Telangana we are all Telugu people. Farmers in both the states are also Telugu people and in both the states they have to prosper. No farmer would like that his neighboring farmer to be in trouble. I strongly feel that on par with Telangana farmer, the AP farmer also feel good.

Telangana people never like others to suffer and never beat the belly of others. I will make available a copy of presentation in a Pen Drive to AP CM Chandrababu Naidu for his reference and understanding. Live and let live is the philosophy of Telangana. We believe in laissez-faire. We don’t harm others and we don’t lead a ticklish living. We want to have a similar relationship with AP as that of Maharashtra. Let the CM and AP appreciate and bear in mind only one reality that geographically we are so together that seldom it could get rid of. From Alampur to Bhadrachalam not only in relationship with water but also in several ways we have camaraderie and by itself we should have warmth and affection on one other with a philosophy of “Live and Let Live”.

Let me narrate a potential state of affairs which would be to the benefit of AP through the construction of Seetarama Project and Bhakta Ramadasu Project. These projects in addition to NSP together are aimed at irrigating six (6) lakh acres in Khammam district. However the entire regenerated water will flow towards Prakasham Barrage and benefit the AP farmer. Unmindful of what others think, our mind is always full of positive feelings.

Let me specify some statistical data here. As far back as 60 years ago itself, the CWC official’s set-up of water gauges were arranged to measure water availability in River Godavari and River Krishna at various sources. According the data available with them at Tambhidihatti the availability on an average per annum is 1100TMC and at Kaleshwaram is put at 160TMC. When Indrāvati merges it would become 2400TMC. Availability at Polavaram is 2600TMC. From out of Kaleshwaram availability at the rate of 3TMC per day if we draw water, it would amount to a maximum of 450TMC in a year as we will be able to draw for about 150 days only. Similarly we use 60TMC in Khammam and 50-60TMC in Warangal. All this involves huge expenditure. Our terrain is distinctive one. If it is 100 meters height terrain at the starting point by the time we touch Hyderabad it would be 525 meters. We need to lift stage by stage to 500 meters height. If water reaches MMD Warangal gets in the process. Passing through Yellampally, Imamabad and Ananthagiri at the last stage we need to reach to a height of 525 meters in Hyderabad. Out of 2631TMC of water the maximum that we can we utilize is 631TMC only leaving 2000TMC to flow down the river.

I gave these details to AP CM Chandrababu Naidu. We cannot take water once we cross Bhadrachalam and Dummugudem. Water flow down through the river will ultimately go in to the ocean. This water may be utilized by AP. Instead of allowing the water to flow in to the sea our farmer brothers of AP may be provided the same for irrigation. I told him to continue the canal even up to Vizag or even farther till Nayudupet. I also told him that if he builds barrages of smaller type in between he can take water to Rayalaseema also. My information is that WAPCOS is entrusted with the job to work out details on this. I complement Chandrababu Naidu for his decision on Pattiseema and for constructing it. He did a good job for his state. There is enough of water in both River Krishna and River Godavari. Let us make complete use of this water without any dispute between us allowing farmers of both the states to have the complete benefit of the projects.

We shall do our best to provide water to irrigate ONE CRORE acres of land in the state. As of now 20 lakh acres is under irrigation. Seetarama Project in Khammam district provides irrigation facility to six (6) lakh acres. Through Devadula an additional six (6) lakh acres will come under irrigation in Warangal district. Let me make it very clear and crystal clear that there will be no Pranahita and no Chevella, that is, no Pranahita-Chevella Project the way it was designed earlier. Pranahita would be in Adilabad and Tambhidihatti barrage will be exclusively restricted up to Adilabad district only. From now onwards this project will be named as Kaleshwaram after the God there. Instead of bringing just 16 lakhs acres under irrigation as envisaged by earlier governments it would now be increased and 26 lakh acres will be provided with water for irrigation. Similarly, 60, 000 acres through Lower Penganga; 15 lakh acres in Mahaboobnagar and Adilabad districts through Palamoor lift irrigation; one lakh acres in Nalgonda by completing SLBC; 8 lakh acres through Palamoor ongoing scheme; 9 lakh acres though SRSP balancing; 9 lakhs through flood canals; 1.75 lakh acres by way of completing Adilabad medium irrigation projects; 2 lakhs of Nizamsagar etc aggregating to a total of 92 lakh acres would be brought under irrigation.

This way one crore of acres of land will be brought under irrigation in the whole of Telangana. All this I want to place on record of the House. This requires being in the records of history. Major portion of these proposed projects will be completed in the next three years. Ongoing schemes are expected to be completed by 2018. MMD is likely to get connected to Kaleshwaram. On the whole in the next three years 70-80 percent of the works will be completed. Works like distribution canals would be taken up at the earliest. Earlier the thinking was to take years and years together, say 10, 12, 20 and so on, for completion of projects due to complicated procedures. We liberalized most of them. Departments of irrigation and finance are made to function in close coordination. New channels are created. Funds release to irrigation department would be through green channel. It is not just for fun that we have allocated Rs. 25, 000 crores for irrigation sector but done with some responsibility and responsiveness. In future the allocations will be further increased. In the next five years certainly one crores acres will be brought under cultivation. As CM of the state I personally take this responsibility. I have no hesitation to put all this on record.

Let me conclude this with couple of remarks regarding my decision to make a presentation in the House and regarding the stand taken by chief opposition party to stay out of the House. I would like to question the rationality in doing so by them. For whose welfare in mind they stayed out of the House? What is the intention behind? They owe an explanation to the people of Telangana. Did I criticize them or made any unparliamentarily remarks? All that I had in mind is to put before the House, the Honorable Members and through them before the people, the factsheet on irrigation projects and seek their support and accordingly design a plan of action to proceed further. They did not heed to my proposal. Instead they stayed out of the House and making all sorts of comments and allegations. They think we too live the way they lived and expect us to do the same. Leaders of that party tried to create hurdles with regards to compensation and also tried their level best to persuade farmers for not accepting to agree giving their lands. They also approach courts to stall the works. They complain on Mission Bhagiratha works. They indulge in preferring for a Public Interest Litigation on Pranahita-Chevella project redesigning.

Telangana is a new state...Its people have umpteen expectations from this government. Shall we proceed with wiping the tears of people and work for an everlasting famine free state or otherwise? Should we quarrel with neighboring Maharashtra or design a plan in such a way that we get water to our fields? We don’t believe in disputes….we don’t want to have egos…we would certainly go for an understanding with Maharashtra. We will invite Maharashtra CM also to the inauguration and foundation stone ceremony of Kaleshwaram project and speedup its completion. To all those who want to join us in our efforts…we welcome them.

Thank You All.