Complete Sitharama project on war-footing: Harish

Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao today directed the officials to complete Sitharama project works on a war-footing by giving top priority for land acquisition as per norms.

During a review meeting here, he asked the officials to speed up land procurement for the project by coordinating with other departments. The project aims to irrigate 6.74 lakh acres, stabilize 3,45,534 acres ayacut and irrigate afresh 3,28,853 acres, he said adding that works have to be completed package wise. Since the Centre gave forest and environmental permissions for first phase,  works of second phase should be planned he said. Out of 4445 acres planned only 374 acres procured so far and collectors of Kothagudem Khammam, Jagitial have to take steps for the purpose. He asked Jagtial  District collector to  speed up steps to transfer the land needed to forest wing  so as to compensate 4900 acres land identified.(NSS)