Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Orders Fast-Tracking of Land Acquisition, R&R for Telangana Irrigation Projects

Hyderabad, July 12, 2025: In a decisive move to expedite irrigation development across Telangana, Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to fast-track land acquisition and Relief & Rehabilitation (R&R) efforts for all pending and ongoing irrigation projects.

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At a high-level review meeting held at the Dr B R Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, the Minister underscored the urgency of cutting through bureaucratic and procedural delays. “We can’t afford to lose more time,” he said, emphasizing that irrigation is central to agricultural prosperity, food security, and rural livelihoods in the state.

Coordination at All Levels

Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to work closely with District Collectors to resolve legal, administrative, and logistical bottlenecks. He stressed the importance of district-level coordination to accelerate progress and prevent costly hold-ups.

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Chronic land acquisition delays, the Minister noted, have escalated both timelines and project costs. He called for proactive engagement with affected communities and landowners, ensuring that compensation, resettlement, and rehabilitation are handled with transparency and sensitivity. “Delays lead to public backlash and legal entanglements that could derail entire projects,” he cautioned.

Focus on Critical Projects

The Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme and Sitarama Sagar Project received special focus during the review, with the Minister urging swift action on canal lining, tunnel boring, and critical civil works.

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He also reviewed the state’s preparedness to manage monsoon inflows and directed irrigation authorities to monitor reservoir levels closely, maintain operational readiness, and activate emergency protocols where necessary.

Army Experts to Strengthen Tunnel Works

Acknowledging the technical challenges in executing tunnel works—especially in regions where open canals are not feasible—Reddy announced the induction of two high-profile Army officers to enhance the Irrigation Department’s engineering capabilities.

• Lt. General Harpal Singh, former Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army, will serve as Honorary Advisor.
• Colonel Parikshit Mehra, an internationally recognized expert in tunnel engineering, will join the department full-time.

Both officers have led the construction of India’s most challenging tunnels, including the Rohtang and Zojila tunnels, and are expected to bring valuable expertise to Telangana’s irrigation infrastructure.

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WALMTARI to be Strengthened

The Minister also laid emphasis on strengthening WALMTARI (Water and Land Management Training and Research Institute) at Rajendranagar, calling it a vital center for irrigation research and capacity building. He instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive land survey of the institute and remove any unauthorized encroachments to protect and expand its operational capabilities.

Firm Commitment to Timely Completion

Capt. Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the Congress government’s resolve to ensure timely completion of irrigation projects and optimal utilization of public funds. He assured that the government would extend full administrative support to overcome any challenges and requested regular updates from departments to maintain accountability and momentum.

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