Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has given a call, that, all works on Kaleswaram project should be completed on a fast track since all the required permissions, needed funds, land acquisition and other related issues were cleared and as such there were no obstacles. Since drinking water scheme Mission Bhagiratha is dependent on water from the Kaleswaram, those works were to be speeded up. The CM suggested that the environmental clearance for the Kaleswaram final stage will come soon and before this happens, plans for designs and other construction works should be kept ready. The CM said the government was standing by the affidavit it has filed in the court and drinking water works are going on as part of the Kaleswaram project works. He said inter-state agreements on the Kaleswaram project were over and the CWC has given its nod to it. Forest clearances were also given and the environment clearances were about to be given. In addition to provision of Rs 25,000 Crore in the Budget another Rs 20,000 Crore was mobilized through banks and other financial institutions.
The CM held a review meeting on the Kaleswaram project works here on Saturday at Pragati Bhavan. Ministers T Harish Rao, Etela Rajender, Government’s Chief Advisor Rajiv Sharma, Mission Bhagiratha Vice Chairman Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Irrigation development Corporation Chairman Shankar Reddy, MP Balka Suman, Chief Secretary SP Singh, DGP Mahender Reddy, Special Chief Secretary (Irrigation) SK Joshi, Principal Secretaries Ramakrishna Rao, PK Jha, Transco Directors Surya Prakash, Jagat Reddy, Narsing Rao, Pedapalli, Siricilla, Bhoopalpally, District Collectors, Irrigation E-in- C Muralidhar, CE Venkateshwarlu, other senior officials, representatives from the working agencies participated.
The CM thanked the officials who worked hard to get the permissions to the Kaleswaram project quickly. The CM has reviewed the works pertaining to Barrages, Canals, Tunnels, Pump Houses, Sub Stations, Switch Yards and other related works. The CM said that through the projects taken up on Godavari Riverdrinking water and water for agriculture was being provided to 7 erstwhile districts including Hyderabad.
CM Says power for all
“We have improved tremendously the power situation in the state. From January 1, we will be supplying 24×7 hours quality power to the agriculture sector. Henceforth we will also provide 24×7 quality power to all sectors. In solar power generation we are number one in the country. As on date 3000 MW solar power is generated and by another month and half 500 MW more will be added. The arrangements made by the electricity department for supplying adequate power to the Lift Irrigation projects is commendable. The Electricity department is completing the works one month ahead of the schedule. Transco and Genco CMD Prabhakar Rao and other officials are working hard getting benefits to the State. For this special thanks and congratulations to the electricity department. I am satisfied with the work being done by the electricity department,” the CM said.
High hopes on Harish Rao
“People in Telangana have high hopes on Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao. They have hope and faith on Harish Rao and Irrigation officials that they will complete projects and provide water to them. The Minister and his officials are working in tune with the desires of the people. The Minister did a wonderful job in getting agreement assured with the Maharashtra government. CE Venkateshwarlu also spoke several times to his counter parts in Maharashtra.The same determination and commitment should be shown while completing the projects. Henceforth Harish Rao should visit Kaleswaram every 10 days and every month Chief Secretary and I will visit the project one in 30 days. It is important to bring water from Medigadda to Mid-Maner and we have; maximum of 200 days left for this. Utilise the time and complete the works expeditious by,” the CM said.
Water for Mission Bhagiratha in 45 days: KCR
“Mission Bhagiratha works are going on well. In the next 45 days 98 percent villages will get water. Provide the required water to Mission Bhagiratha from Kaleswaram and other projects. Mission Bhagiratha got a good name all over the country and other states want to implement such a programme. They are asking for our help and guidance. If need be, we will send our officers to other states. Kaleswaram should supply water to Mission Bhagiratha,” the CM said.
Suggestions, opinions expressed by CM at the review : For getting the forest clearances PCCF PK Jha and other officers did a good job. They should work with same zeal. The forest department should cooperate in completing the projects works like erecting the towers, over head lines.
If water is supplied from Kaleswaram to Mid Maner, through SRSP, Singur that the drinking water scheme can be implemented and keep this in mind. Lay two-lane road on the Barrages. Lay roads on permanent basis for the Pump Houses, Sub Stations and Canals. Keep on Electricity employee at the Pump House to coordinate with the Irrigation officials. Construct guesthouse at every Barrage.Works on Barrages, Pump Houses, Embankments, Canals and Reservoirs should be done simultaneously. Make necessary arrangements for the safety and security at the Barrages. Set up CC TVs for round the clock surveillance. Set up a Command Control at every project. Prepare helipads on a permanent basis at every project site. Water is available 365 Days at Medigadda, a part of the Kaleswaram project. Hence based on the work done water can be drawn. There is no need to wait the project is completed completely to draw water. Supply power to operate gates at Tupakulagudem, Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. Keep generators as stand by.
CMD Prabhakar Rao said,”for the Lift Irrigation projects we have kept ready 400 KV lines. We made arrangements to supply power not from one-generation centre but from multiple ones. We will supply uninterrupted power to the Lift Irrigation projects.” (NSS)