ప్రభుత్వ శాపంతో కుదేలయిన తెలంగాణా సాగు నీటి ప్రాజెక్టులు

ప్రభుత్వ శాపంతో కుదేలయిన తెలంగాణా సాగు నీటి ప్రాజెక్టులు

Andhra Pradesh is situated in the central stretch of the eastern seaboard of the Indian Peninsula. Telangana is situated at a high altitude in an up-land area. The river Godavari is flowing on the North and the river Krishna is flowing on the South in Telangana region. Apart from the major rivers, there are other small rivers such as Bhima, Dindi, Kinnerasani, Manjeera, Manair, Penganga, Praanahita, and Peddavagu and Taliperu. In erstwhile Hyderabad State, medium projects, like Pocharam, Dindi, Palair, Vyra, Manair, Khanapur were constructed apart from Nizamsagar Project, which was completed in 1924-31. It was envisioned to utilize 58 TMC water to irrigate 2,75,000 acres of land in Nizamabad District. The total permitted utilization of water under Godavari and Krishna for Telangana region in erstwhile Hyderabad State was under 951 MOU. The following given table shows the River Basin with projects existing, under execution and contemplated.

GODAVARI BASIN : EXISTING Total TMC

1. Nizamsagar Project 58.00TMC
2. Medium Projects 60.00TMC
3. Minor Projects 35.00 TMC                ===153.00 TMC

UNDER EXECUTION Total TMC

1. Godavari Basin 364.00 TMC
2. Kadam 53.00 TMC
3. Lower Manair 12.00 TMC
4. Devanoor 27.0 TMC                           ==465TMC

CONTEMPLATED

1. Ichampally Project 32.00 TMC

                                          TOTAL======== 609.00 TMC

KRISHNA BASIN : EXISTING Total TMC

1. Rajoli Banda 15-90TMC
2. Medium Projects 36-10 TMC
3. Miner Projects 90.80 TMC                ==142.00 TMC

UNDER EXECUTION

1. Nagarjunsagar left canal 161.00 TMC
2. Tungabhadra left canal 19.00 TMC    ===180.00 TMC

CONTEMPLATED

1. Upper Krishna Project 54.40 TMC
2. Bhima 100.60 TMC                           ====155.00 TMC

                                         Total             ====322.00 TMC

(TOTAL TMC OF WATER FOR GODAVARI AND KRISHNA BASIN is 931.00 TMC)
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After the formation of the state of Andhra Pradesh, the proposed projects under Godavari, Krishna basin were not implemented. Also the water resources were diverted to the Andhra region. Serveral projects envisaged under Godavari delta basin were ignored and Devnoor project was completely removed. The Pochampad project was sanctioned under pressure from Telangana leadership, but the entire water utilization under Godavari was now reduced from 400 TMC to 112 TMC. The reservoir capacity was finally sanctioned for storing 82 TMC of water. With this capacity, the Godavari valley projects irrigation is now reduced to 10.25 lakh acres from 40 lakh acres. Many projects sanctioned could not be implemented properly even after four decades of formation of Andhra Pradesh.

Usually the allocation of water is based on the available water in catchment area and the land available for irrigation. Under the Nagarjuna Sagar Project's left canal, 161 TMC of water should have been allocated, but only 82 TMC of water is available for irrigation.

The water allocation to the Andhra Pradesh state was 1480 TMC under Godavari basin and 856 TMC under Krishna basin. By looking at the ground facts, it is obvious that how much disparity has been shown on Telangana region. The given below are the facts of water allocation for Andhra and Telangana regions from Godavari and Krishna rivers.

The river Godavari flows for about 79% of its catchment area in Telangana. Geographically about 70% of Telangana land is suitable for irrigation. On this basis Telangana region should get 70% (1036 TMC) allocation out of 1480 TMC and the rest of 30% (144 TMC) only should have been allocated to Andhra region. But the ground realities are quite different and shocking. The water utilization under Godavari basin is about 760 TMC so far, out of which 320 TMC of water is being diverted to Andhra region as against 124 TMC. This resulted in diverting 281 TMC of water from Telangana region to Andhra region.

River Krishna is no different from river Godavari. River Krishna flows for about 68.5% in the catchment area in Telangana and 31.5% catchment in Andhra region. Only 37% of water (266.8 TMC) is allocated to Telangana region against 68.5%. Where as 500.1 TMC water is allocated to Andhra region. Only 27% of water is available for cultivable lands in Telangana. It means 50% of the Ayacut under Krishna basin in Telagana is not getting water. The following table which shows how the total irrigated area in Telangana region decreased compared to Andhra region from the year 1956 –97.

TOTAL IRRIGATED AREA IN HECTARES

ANDHRA    56-57/ 65-66/ 67-70/ 83-84/ 96-97

Srikakulam- 21,600/2,44,000/2,54,000/1,83,000/1,60,000
V.nagaram-     -             -               -       /1,26,000/1,34,000
Visakha-    1,99,000/1,39,000/1,71,000/1,02,000/1,24,000
E. G.- 2,99,000/2,39,000/2,37,000/4,30,000/4,01,000
W. G.- 3,65,000/2,74,000/2,88,000/5,24,000/4,25,000
Krishna-3,33,000/3,04,000/3,89,000/4,46,000/4,00,000
Guntur- 2,08,000/2,62,000/3,64,000/3,56,000/3,10,000
Prakasham-    -       -          85,000/1,30,000/1,30,000
Nellore- 2,95,000/2,25,000/2,28,000/2,48,000/1,95,000
Chittoor-2,05,000/91,000/1,13,000/86,000/98,000
Cuddapah-1,27,000/61,000/84,000/71,000/49,000
Anantapur-1,29,000/68,000/86,000/70,000/59,000
Kurnool-69,000/87,0001,/31,000/1,32,000/1,08,000

Total=24,45,000/19,44,000/25,35,000/29,04,000/25,93,000

TELANGANA

Ranga Reddy-55,000/26,000/14,000
Hyderabad-1,000/500/200/150/196
Nizamabad-1,33,000/1,15,000/1,32,000/1,53,000/71,000
Medak-1,15,000/75,000/69,000/93,000/38,000
Mahabub Nagar-1,19,000/80,000/72,000/1,00,000/35,000
Nalgonda-1,33,000/68,000/1,56,000/2,01,000/1,53,000
Warangal-1,26,000/1,14,000/1,32,000/1,28,000/98,000
Khammam-55,000/1,10,000/80,000/1,24,000/1,39,000
Karimnagar-1,45,000/1,01,000/81,000/1,42,000/1,28,000
Adilabad-31,000/31,000/37,000/49,000/42,000

Total=9,12,000/7,12,000/7,79,000/10,16,000/7,18,000
*Source:Director of Economics and Statistics, A.P.
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The total irrigated area in Andhra region increased from 24.45 lakhs hectares to 26.00 lakhs hectares where as the total irrigated area in Telangana region decreased from 9.12 lakh hectares to 7.18 lakh hectares, about 22% decrease. This shows a dangerous trend of decreasing cultivable lands in Telangana. The bar chart given below clearly shows the disparity between Coastal Andhra and Telangana region in utilising canal water for irrigation. Region wise Total Irrigated Area

Region             ===  Canal     ========Wells

Coastal Andhra-   12,24,559 ==1,31,002

Rayalseema -    1,24,567       ==1,68,077

Telangana -       3,00,621       ==5,88,884
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Distribution of surplus water under Krishna Basin:- The Krishna water tribunal awarded 800 TMC of water for Andhra Pradesh. It also permitted to utilize the surplus water as a tail end state. It was agreed after prolonged discussions on utilization of surface water between Andhra and Telangana Regions, that the surplus water should be utilized in the ratio of 50-50 of the available water resources. The allocation was made as follows.

A) ANDHRA REGION

1) Telugu Ganga Project 29 TMC
2) Sreesailam Right Bank Canal 19 TMC

B) TELANGANA REGION

1)Sreesailam Left Bank Canal 30 TMC
2)Bheema Lift Irrigation 20 TMC

Though allocation was made as above, so far the benefits are being accrued under Telugu Ganga Project and SreeSailam Right Bank canal. These schemes are being implemented with World Bank Loan by merging Sreeramsagar Project (in Telangana) by showing it as AP II, AP-III. The SreeSailam bank canal is yet to be completed, and Bheema left irrigation project is kept under cold storage.
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The future development of ayacut in Telangana is mainly dependent on the development and execution of Godavari river basin. Although The Andhra Pradesh Government has constituted Godavari utilization authority years back, so far there is no progress. The Inchampally and Polavaram Projects were planned on Godavari long back, but since last forty years interstate dispute was not resolved and these projects are kept pending.

Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh reached an agreement in1978 regarding Inchampally. As per this agreement, Andhra Pradesh can utilize only 85 TMC of water and the balance of water can be utilized only to generate Hydroelectric Power. The expenditure has to be borne by Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra & Madhya Pradesh at the ratio of 78%, 10.5% and 11.4% respectively. Andhra Pradesh will get 27% of the generated power. Experts believe that the Inchampally project would benefit Andhra region more than Telangana region. Out of 360 TMC of water, only 85 TMC will be utilized for irrigation in Telangana. The rest of the water after utilization for generation of power will flow down wards to Dhawaleswaram Barrage or to Polavaram project.

1) Pedda Bellalla (below the confluence of kadem)
2) VenKatapuram down stream of ichampaiiy
3) Yellampally (further down to Manchiryal)
4) Dummugudem (near Luxettipet)

With these minor and medium projects and with lift irrigation, at least 200 TMC of water can be utilized for 10 lakh acres in kharif and another 5 lakh acres in rabi seasons. The following detailed notes on the Irrigation projects on Krishna and Godavari basins respectively, give clarity:-

Krishna Basin Projects - The catchment area in Telangana is 51,628 square kms and catchment in Andhra is 23,741 square kms. But the water allocation for Telangana is 266.83 TMC feet of water, whereas the Andhra gets 500.15 TMC feet of water as show in percentages. The bar chart below shows clearly the catchment area, cultivable land and irrigated area on Krishna Basin.

Region / Catchment / Cultivable land /Irrigated Area

Andhra - 31.5% / 62.5%/ 76.72%

Telangana- 68.5%/ 37.5%/ 24%

PROJECTS:

Tungabadra:This project was first planned in 1948 near Hosepet as a joint venture of erstwhile Hyderabad State and Mysore State. Left canal of this project was planned to utilize about 100 TMC ft of water to irrigate lands in Raichur and Mahaboobnagar.

Rajolibunda Diversion Scheme: This project was started to irrigate 93,000 acres in then Raichoor district of the then Hyderabad State utilizing 17 TMC feet of water. It was started by the Hyderabad State and completed by 1956. Subsequent to the reorganization of states, 5900 acres ayacut fell within Karnataka State and remaining ayacut of 87000 acres fell within Andhra Pradesh State. The Chief Engineers of Karnataka and Andra Pradesh agreed for full supply discharge of 850 cusecs at head and 770 cusecs at the border point between Karnataka State and Andhra Pradesh State in 1959.

Krishna water dispute tribunal allotted 1.20 TMC feet of water out of 17 TMC feet of water to Karnataka State ayacut and the remaining 15.90 TMC feet of water to the ayacut in Andhra Pradesh State in 1980. It also gave directions that out of the 17.10 TMC feet of water allotted, 7 TMC feet of water would be in the shape of regulated discharge from Thungabhadra project in the lean months from January to May. Karnataka does not release even half the required flow to ryots of Gadwal and Alampoor taluqs of Andhra Pradesh State, despite a specific direction from the tribunal. The Andhra Pradesh did not show any interest to take up the issue with Karnataka.

The entire Mahaboobnagar district is drought affected, except for Mahaboobnagar taluq. The entire district lies in Krishna basin and it is at the head of the basin in the state. The present irrigation is confined to minor irrigation projects, a few medium projects and one existing major project namely Rajolibunda Diversion Scheme across the Tungabhadra river.

The Bachawath tribunal had allotted 17.1 TMC feet of water to Rajolibunda Diversion Scheme: 1.20 TMC feet of water to Karnataka and 15.9 TMC feet of water to Mahaboobnagar district. But in reality only 5 to 6 TMC of water is available for Mahaboobnagar district, though the availability of water from Tungabhadra is almost 15.90 TMC. Telangana region is deprived due to clandestine and unauthorized and illegal diversion of 6 to 7 TMC of water, with the tacit knowledge of the official.

Bheema Project: The Bheema project envisages the use of 20 TMC feet of Krishna waters for irrigating 2 lakh acres in the drought affected and upland areas of Makthal, Atmakur, Wanaparthy and Kollapur taluqs of Mahaboobnagar district.  Alternatively the water can be lifted form the Bheema River or Krishna River just below its confluence with the Bheema River and stored in the proposed balancing reservoir at Makthal to irrigate the areas.

Andhra Pradesh State committed in its note APPK 36 to take up a project across Krishna river five miles upstream of Gadwal meter gauge railway bridge with a gross storage of 33 TMC feet water and storage of 16 TMC feet water under stage I. The irrigation would be flow irrigation of about 1.05 lakhs acres, and stage II could be a lift scheme to irrigate about 1.80 lakhs acres. The tribunal allotted 17.64 TMC feet of water to the project and work is taken up under stage I named Jurala Project in 1981. The water is yet to be made available to extensive areas of ayacut proposed.

Nagarjunsagar Project: Nagarjuna Sagar project was taken up as a joint project between the then Andhra State and the then Hyderabad State in 1954. On the basis of the agreement the project was to be jointly executed with left canal to serve 7.95 lakh acres in Nalgonda and Khammam districts with 161 TMC feet of water as its share. Around 2 lakhs acres of lands in Andhra State limits were also to be served from the left canal. This joint project report was protected under section 108 (2a) of S.R. Act.

With the reorganization of states and the merging of Telangana with Andhra, the Andhra State became sole authority to execute the project. The bed levels of left main canal were indiscriminately dropped. It was made to pass through existing minor and medium tanks by dropping the bed level of canal and picked up at a lower level. With the result the identified ayacut in Nalgonda and Khammam districts was reduced from 7.95 lakhs acres to 5.30 lakh acres including existing ayacut of around 50,000 acres under Paleru Project and other minor irrigation sources. On the other hand the ayacut in Andhra region under left canal was increased from the originally contemplated ayacut of 2.05 lakh acres to 3.78 lakh acres.

As a result of this manipulation in the ayacut of left canal, the ayacut in Telangana utilizes only 86 TMC feet of water including around 6 TMC feet of water for independent yield of Paleru project, Devulapally and other minor tanks. The Nagarjuna sagar supplies only 80 TMC feet of water to Telangana ayacut under left canal, against its entitlement of 161 TMC feet of water, under 1954 agreement.  This is a violation of 1954 agreement and violation of the rights of Telangana Protected under section 108(2) (a) of SR act. The left canal alignment is manipulated so badly that it is not possible to make available the balance water from left canal.

After power generation, water from Srisailam reservoir flows to Nagarjuna Sagar project. The balance water from left canal quota of Nagarjuna Sagar is 127 TMC feet of water. The 127 TMC feet of water has to be supplied from Srisailam reservoir through a tunnel to irrigate areas in Nalgonda and Khammam districts.

The project under the left bank canal utilizing 30 TMC feet of water under Bheema lift irrigation is still not implemented. In addition to the existing deprivations, the Government of Andhra Pradesh is seriously contemplating to bring Krishna waters to Hyderabad city, which will further deplete the water available for irrigation in Telangana region.

Srisailam Left Bank Canal: Left canal runs for a length of 178 kilometers to irrigate 419,820 acres in Nalgonda, Khammam, Krishna and west Godavari. Srisailam Left Bank Canal is the third project of Telangana on Krishna that became a victim of Andhra Pradesh government maneuvering.

Krishna water dispute tribunal allocated 800 TMC feet of water to Andhra Pradesh State. The three state governments, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharastra, put forward further demands against possible surplus flows over and above agreed. The Tribunal allowed Andhra Pradesh to buildup surplus capacities to store water and utilize it with out any specific right over the other states of Karnataka and Maharastra. The government of Andhra Pradesh submitted plans to utilize the surplus water of Krishna as under.

I.Krishna delta 65.00 TMC
2. Nagarjuna sagar 42.00 TMC
3. Jurala Irrigation Scheme Stage II 28.00 TMC
4. Sangameswar canals 40.90 TMC
5. Srisailam Left Bank canal 150.00 TMC
6. Nagarjuna Sagar Project Stage II 203.00 TMC

Total .. 529.10 TMC

An expert committee of Senior Engineers was constituted by Andhra Pradesh State in 1981 to suggest ways and means for maximum utilization of water allocated by Krishna water Disputes Tribunal. Crest gates were installed in both Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam and water is being utilized. By installing crest gates to R.L. +590 and with M.D.D.L. at +510 at Nagarjuna Sagar an additional carry over capacity of 120 TMC feet of water is created. Similarly at Srisailam with crest gates at R.L. 885 and MDDL at +830 an additional carry over capacity of 60 TMC feet of water is created. The Experts committee was of the opinion, that the average carry over capacity at Srisailam is 81.6 TMC feet of water and at Nagarjuna Sagar is 167.78 TMC feet of water. With power generation permitted up to +800, another 100 TMC feet of water would be available totaling to about 81.63+67.78+100=349.11 TMC feet of water.

Based on the above estimation of water availability the Government took up Telugu Ganga and Srisailam right branch canal to irrigate extensive areas in Cuddapah, Kurnool, Prakasam, Nellore and Chittoor districts utilizing around 350 TMC feet of water, incurring around Rs. 3200 crores in the last the 18 years.

Srisailam left bank canal was to be supplied water through a tunnel from Srisailam reservoir, as suggested by experts committee and agreed to by A.P. government. A committee was setup to study environmental impact to damn the tunnel. The committee came out with a recommendation that environmental impact could be avoided with a slight shift in alignment and it would avoid forest area as well. The report also suggested that the tunnel is the best option.

The planning commission cleared the Srisailam right branch canal, part of Sangameswara canals to utilize 19 TMC of surplus flows in May 1981. The State government also cleared other projects.

1. Srisailam left branch canal (Telugu Ganga ) with extension up to Sagileru river to irrigate 1.11 lakh hectares requiring 29 TMC feet of water.

2. Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in Nalgonda district to irrigate around 1.20 lakh hectares utilizing 30 TMC feet of water.

The cost aspect as indicated in plan papers in 1984, is more favorable to Srisailam left bank canal. The tunnel’s estimated cost was Rs. 353 Crores utilizing 30 TMC feet of water. It was much cheaper than Srisailam left branch canal (Telugu Ganga) costing Rs. 637 crores for utilizing 29 TMCft and Srisailam right branch canal costing Rs. 221 crores utilizing only 19 TMC feet of water.

The Andhra Pradesh government appears to have a hidden agenda and it is understood that it has a preconceived notion to block tunnel option, in spite of its overwhelming positive features. Otherwise how else would it discourage tunnel option on left bank of Srisailam, while it aggressively pursuing it on right side of Srisailam to feed ayacut of Valigodu reservoirs.

Finally the government decided to dump tunnel option in 1995 and instead supply water to the ayacut on Srisailam Left Bank by pumping from Nagarjuna Sagar. The government proposed to install 4 pumps of 19 MW each to irrigate 60,000 hectares in first crop and another 49,000 hectares in second crop. The actual irrigation as per the affidavit submitted, with the pumps running 24 hours does not exceed 97,000 hectares. But actually its capacity would not be more than 67,758 hectares, utilizing around 28.74 TMC feet of water against allotment 50TMC feet of water. The ayacut restricted to 67,758 hectares against earlier recommendation of 1,21,000 hectares.

Two issues:

1. Is it possible to supply 76MW of firm power during October, November and December? The statements emanating from both the corporation and government indicate that the supply of power for more than (9) hours a day is not possible. In that event the ayacut gets further reduced to around 25,000 hectares. The intended flushing out of fluoride from the areas and water supply to villages along the canal including Nalgonda town would remain a dream unfulfilled.

2. The running cost of the scheme works out to around Rs. 3230- per hectare at Rs.1 per unit of electricity. If the tariff is linked to cost of production of electricity the cost per hectare may be around Rs.8000. Will the farmers be able to pay such huge costs of power supply?. Why should they pay for such faulty and mischievous formulation of the scheme? The water intended for Nalgonda would flow down stream for development of some more ayacut in the Andhra region and Nalgonda district would remain drought prone perpetually.

The dishonesty of the government is further evident from the fact that Telugu Ganga and Srisailam right branch canal simultaneously started with Srisailam Left Bank Canal, are under execution, while Srisailam Left Bank Canal remains a dream. The expenditure on Telugu Ganga and Srisailam right branch canal is Rs. 1500 crores whereas Srisailam left bank canal estimated to cost around Rs. 150 crores.

Dishonesty is evident from the fact, that the pumping scheme is opted by the state, in spite of unequivocal recommendation by the experts committee and later by the environmental impact Assessment committee favoring tunnel. Obviously, the government knows fully well that the pumping scheme is not viable and opted for it, so as to dump it later and divert water so saved from this scheme to lower reaches to benefit Andhra region.

As a result of discrimination since merger of Telangana with the erstwhile Andhra State in 1956 is back to 7.21 lakh hectares in 1996 -97, compared to 9 lakhs hectares under irrigation in 1956. The irrigation content as percentage of shown area also, slumped from 18.90% in 1956 to 17.60% in 1996 - 97. This was not the sort of balanced development of all the regions of the state contemplated in article 371 (D) - 1 of the constitution. It shows how government ignored the needs of a particular region. It is in violation of all accepted norms of governance, conventions, and agreements between different regions of a state under the constitutional provisions.

While considering the Rajolibunda Diversion Scheme Right Bank Canal for the utilization of flood flows, it may be necessary first to ensure adequate designed discharge into the Left Bank Canal by raising the crest level of the ayacut to irrigate the full contemplated ayacut of 87,000 acres.

Nandikonda - Nagarjunasagar Project -Contemplated Andhra region Telangana region

Originally to irrigate 2.33 lakh acres 7.9 lakh acres(under right canal) (through left canal)

Reduced to 6.1 lakh acres. Now under Irrigation 13.00 lakh acres Under irrigation 1.1 lakh acres.

Bureaucratic institutions created hurdles to delay the approvals at various levels at different stages. While negotiating irrigation projects in backward areas / region, the state delayed the sanction of allocated budget till last minute so that the funds could be diverted to favored regions. Also the trend in favor of coastal Andhra is evident in spending extra budgetary funds, early completion of projects, modernization of projects, regular and repeated drainage and flood control works, constructing balancing reservoirs, doubly ensured that irrigation projects are completed early in Andhra area.

Gadwal Branch Canal: Thungabhadra low level canal was to irrigate 80,000 hectares in Gadwal and AlampurTaluqs of Raichur district in Hyderabad state. Due to reorganization of states in 1956, the two taluqs Gadwal and Alampoor became part of Mahaboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Engineer of Thungabhadra wrote to the Chief Engineer Andhra in September 1956, stating that for the cropping pattern for the scheme approved by the Hyderabad State for 580,000 acres including 10,000acres of second crop paddy. The total quantity of utilizable water was estimated to be about 80 TMC feet of water out of 100 TMC of water allotted to Hyderabad in 1951. He added that it had been further decided that the balance quantity of water should be utilized in the lower reaches lying in the Telangana region.

The Karnataka State misguided the Krishna water disputes tribunal stating that there was no administrative sanction from Gadwal branch canal beyond Mile 141 and the Andhra Pradesh State accepted the result. The tribunal ruled that the claim for water to Gadwal beyond 141 miles is not sustainable. The tribunal or the state of Andhra Pradesh did not ask Karnataka State whether there was administrative sanction separately for the branch canal from Mile 127 of main canal to KM 141.00 of Gadwal branch canal.

Mahaboobnagar district also lost substantially in two other projects, around 25 TMC ft in upper Krishna, 50 TMC ft in Bheema project plans, which were in advanced stage of formulation, before reorganization of states took its toll. The result was that Mahaboobnagar district remained drought prone and poorest district in Andhra Pradesh state, with percentage of irrigation recording as low as 4.61% of its shown area in 1996 -97, in spite of the fact that three big rivers Krishna Thungabadra and Bheema flowing through it.

Concerned with the plight of the Mahaboobnagar district, the Krishna water dispute tribunal allotted 17.84 TMC feet of water for Jurala project stage I to irrigate around 42,000 hectares bordering Krishna river in Mahaboobnagar district.

Jurala Project Stage–1: This project envisages irrigating scarcity areas in Taluqs of Gadwal, Alampur and Wanaparthy in Mahboobnagar district. The erstwhile Hyderabad State had taken up investigations of 1930 for irrigating certain areas in Telangana region of the present Mahboobnagar District along with areas in Karnataka region, which merged with the Karnataka state after the states reorganization.

In the 1st Stage there will be two canals :

(1) The Right Bank canal will be about 17 miles along serving the areas of Gadwal and Alampur Taluqs in Mahaboobnagar district.

(2) The left Bank Canal which will be about 36 miles serving Taluqs of Atmakur and Wanaparthy of Mahaboobnagar District. The total water requirement in Stage-l for the Right and Left Bank Canals is 16.80 TMC feet of water.

In second stage a pumping scheme to irrigate around 80,000 hectares is not implemented in spite of its commitment before the Krishna water dispute tribunal 30 years back in 1970. The government is not in a position to supply power to agricultural connections even 9 hours a day. Therefore there is no justification for pumping scheme specially in view of the fact, that an attractive alternative diversion scheme from adjacent Bheema river, where required flows are available. It would be much cheaper in construction and operation than the pumping scheme.

Kalwakurthi Lift Irrigation Scheme: This scheme was planned to lift the water at Khollapur on upper Sreesailam project in 8 stages in Nagar Kurnool. Kalwakurthi foundation stone was laid in 1990 and it has not seen any progress since. The government proposed to revise the project to lift water in three stages. The government was not interested to implement it and postponing the project on some pretext or the other. The local leadership formed a group called: Kalwakurthi Jalasadha Samithi. They approached the NRI / NGO'S who had offered to finance 1800 crores for this projects. But the government has expressed its inability to accept the assistance on the ground that there is no sufficient water to lift from Krishna.

Pulichinthala Project: The implementation of this project will cause damage and adversely affect the farmers of Telangana. The Government is stating that it will supply additional water to left bank Sreesailam project and Bheema. Under this project about 45.75 TMC feet of water can be stored, which will irrigate only 2.7 lakh acres in Telangana where as it irrigates 14.00 lakhs acres in Krishna district. It is clear to see that this project will mostly benefit the Krishna delta.

The Government stated that by implementing this project only about 15,000 people would be affected in Nalgonda. But it is estimated that the project would submerge large areas in many parts of Nalgonda district. There are many questions lingering in the minds of Telangana people as to why the govt. is so keen to implement this project on priority basis when other projects in Telangana are not being implemented with the same vigor.

The High Court has issued notices in a writ challenging the action of the government proceeding with pulichintala project, without obtaining the clearance of the Union Ministry of Environment. It obviously indicates the haste by the Government in power to benefit the farmers in the upland areas in Guntur and Prakasham Dist.

The biggest injustice ever was done in the field of development and exploitation of water resources, and utilization of water resources for irrigation and drinking purposes from 3 rivers, Krishna, Godavari and Tungabhadra flowing from Telangana.

The biggest Nagarjunasagar Dam is constructed in Nalgonda district, which actually became a major source of irrigation in Krishna district. The Srisailam bank left canal to provide water for parched canals in Telanagana districts is still under implementation, whereas the right canal which feeds land in Kurnool and Cuddapah and Anantapur Dist is already completed and the downstream water from Srisailam Dam benefits Krishna District.

Godavari Basin Projects

River Godavari flows through Telangana region. Originally the proposal was to construct high Pochampad Dam across Godavari near pochampad to utilize nearly 330 TMC of water from river Godavari and also to lay Godavari north and south canals to irrigate about 20. Lakh acres of land to benefit farmers of Adilabad, Karimanagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda. The catchment area under Godavari in Telangana is 61780 sq. kms about 79% and the catchment area in Andhra is about 16420 sq. kms i.e. 21% as against this background the cultivable area in Telangana under Godavari basin is 25.2 lakh hectares and in Andhra 10.7 lakh hectares should have been planned, allocating the available resources between Telangana and Andhra at the rate of 70% and 30% to Telangana and Andhra respectively, out of the available resources of 1480 TMC. of water. But the ground position is quite different as the allocation to Andhra area is 320 TMC of water, and in addition, the govt. has already projected plans for utilization of another 405 TMC water to Andhra region ignoring the right full claim of Telangana farmers. The S.R.S.R stage 1 started in July 1963 is still not completed, even after 36 years. Even if all the proposed or under execution projects are completed the total irrigated area under Godavari valley project will be about 7.10 lack hectares about 28% whereas in Andhra region the existing cultivable land under Godavari is 56.50%.

The bar chart below shows clearly the catchment area, cultivable land and irrigated area on Godavari Basin.

Region   /Catchment    /Cultivable land  /Iirrigated Area

Andhra - 21%             /    30%                /56.5%

Telangana-  79%         /   70%                 /28%

A reservoir on Kadam as a part and parcel of north canal and lower Manair Reservoir on south canal was envisaged. Another project across Manjira near Devarkonda was also planned to utilize about 38 TMC water which would benefit the farmers of Manjira valley in Medak dist. The Godavari valley Multipurpose project, Devnoor Project, was abandoned and execution of Thungabhadra left canal was not taken up so far.

The total water available for utilization under Godavari Basin is about 1495 TMC of water out of which only 270 TMC of water is being utilized in Andhra region and another 185 TMC water is utilized in Telangana. It is evident that proper planning is not done for development of backward areas in Telangana. Water allocation under Godavari Basin as per various agreements between Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Karnataka, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh is given under the heading "Godavari Basin" allocating 1172-78 TMC of water but utilization of water was planned as 1479-65 TMC.

I) NIZAM SAGAR PROJECT :

a) Originally the project was built in 1931 across Manjira river for irrigation of an ayacut of 2.75000 acres, but at present only a fraction is under irrigation. It is said that due to construction of SRSP, tail end ayacut will be submerged. The govt has not come out with the actual ayacut that will be effected due to SRSP.

b) The main reason is due to construction of Singur Dam which was planned to supply mainly the drinking water to the city.

c) Further due to siltation the storage capacity is reduced. Why the govt. is not taking steps to de-silt? The govt. is proposing to lift the water beyond AlisaugerTank. But the govt. has so far not taken steps for lifting the water as proposed, and did not take any measure to desilt the reservoir. It is said that the govt. still examining the lift irrigation. For its techno-economic feasibility as it may involve spending of 143 crores which the A.P. Govt. is not ready to spend. It is clear that the govt. of A.P. is not willing to implement the strategy suggested by the G.W.U.A in the near future.

SARASWATHI CANAL : (In Adilabad dist Saraswathi canal was planned to irrigate 1500Acres, for which forest clearance was sought with the principal chief conservator of forest Hyd. on 29-1 -00 which is still awaited. It appears that the government is not serious about its implementation as they could have got the clearance from the PCCF, Hyd, in no time if the case had been pressed. Further even distributors are still under planning stage.

KAKATIYA CANAL- 1st Phase: In the first phase the work from km 284 to km 345.932 was proposed to be taken up. So far no serious steps have been taken, and the work has not started. The government is proposing to approach the center for funding phase I but now it is explained by the government that on technical grounds one balancing reservoir is being planned instead of Acquaduct at km 285.10 of Kakatiya canal with investment of 19 crores. The latest position is that even for this balancing reservoir, doubts are being expressed that it may submerge 1500 acres, apart from submerging part of Warangal and Khammam highway. Hence the proposal in now almost put in cold storage.

II phase: clearance was obtained in June 2001, which was also cleared by planning commission. The government proposes to approach the center for funding this project, but so far no progress is made in this respect. Alignment particulars of the entire canal is approved by the government. Out of 284 to 346 km length, only for 12km length the land was acquired so far. The rest, the land acquisition proposals are being sent to the concerned collectors. The estimated cost of escalation from 284 km to 288 km is estimated at rupees 1021 lakhs which is approved by the government in Dec.01 and estimation from km 289 to 295 were revised and submitted to government for approval of 1709 lakhs. The government said to be seized with finalizing the tender's etc, for excavation of the canal. The land acquisition proceedings for the rest of 62 Acres is yet to be finalized.

MANDAKINI CANAL : Tail end of Saraswathi canal from km 77 to 144km. This canal is passing through forest zone in Adilabad. The government is proposing to address for the clearance of forest dept and to identify 614 hectares of land to surrender to the forest dept. To compensate the forest land, which is being identified in Adilabad dist, it is said that survey of land is going on to know the actual extent and location.

SRIRAM SAGAR PROJECT : Central water commission clearance was obtained in 1996 subject to forest clearance for 1210 acres. Administrative approval by the government was given in July 1996 for acquiring 229 acres out of which land is acquired up to 290 km (8Acr). For earthwork from 284km to 288km, costing about 10 crores proposals were sent to government for approval which are still awaited. The balance of 58 acres is still to be acquired.

SRIRAM SAGAR PROJECT (A): Stage II was planned to utilize 40.28TMC of water to irrigate 5.87 lakhs acres. It envisages extension of KAKATIYA MAIN CANAL from km 284 to km 345.932 to irrigate 4.40lakh acres in Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda (B) Extension of Sarswathi Canal from km 77 to km 144 to irrigate 80000 acres in Adilabad and modernisation of Kadam Canal up to km 77 from the origin covering an ayacut of 68000 acres in Adilabad.

The S.R.S.P (stage II) was approved by C.W.C on 3-4-96 for estimated cost of 698 crores. This work was not done and at present the cost has escalated to Rs.1210/- crores.

FLOOD FLOW CANAL : This project was envisaged for utilization of 20 TMC of water to irrigate 2.20lakh acres in Karimnagar, Warangal and Nalgonda Dists.The CWC has given clearance in 1996 for Rs.1333 crores.

SCOPE :(1) 44.30 km long canal for Head regulator of SRSP reservoir across PEDDA VAGU II and Konraopet in Karimnagar Dist. to irrigate 32000Acr with 7.6 TMC of water.

(2) 66.00km length canal from reservoir up to storage reservoir, to utilize 26 TMC of water to irrigate 68000 acres across Coratla Vagu, across Manair river near Manvada (V) in Karimnagar.

(3) 125km long canal from service reservoir up to service reservoir with 1.27TMC of water to irrigate 1.20 lakhs acres, at Gowravalli (V).

Under flood flow canal land acquisition is under way for 961 acres, consisting of 634 acres of private land and 187 acres of government land. Notification approving for Rs. 74,640007- was already issued by special collector L.A.

Proposals for Midmaneru project was submitted by L.A Deputy collector for 175 acres but there is no further development, on the plea that the royats are not allowing the survey staff to take up the survey work. The villagers of 9 submergible villages have represented to the government that the alignment to be changed to use upper Mannair reservoir for storage, instead of MMR near Manvada. The government has not agreed to the proposal as the capacity of MMR reservoir is 26 TMC as against upper Manair reservoir capacity of 2 TMC and turned down the demand as not feasible.

In all said and done, the major issue is the rate of compensation which has to be resolved with affected farmers. This is not being done, and the entire project is-kept pending by the government.

The government wants to implement the execution of work in two stages

1. The government accorded administrative approval for 859 crores to provide irrigation for 68000 acres in 1997, head regulators at SRSP, flood flow canal up to mid-Maneru, up to 130km, mid Maneru reservoir at Manvada, in Karimnagar on Manair to utilize 25.87 TMC and an irrigation canals from mid Manair reservoir Left canal 21 km to irrigate 9500 acres and right canal to irrigate 58500 acres.

The total cost of (phase 1 as above, is worked out to rupees 2100 crores for acquiring 2780 acres of land in Nizamabad, and 2500 acres in Vemulavada, Sirisilla and Ellanthakunta of Karimnagar Dist. for laying canals.The project is subject to clearance by forest department, tribal welfare, and investment clearance from planning commission. It is stated by the govt. of A.P that proposals for the above clearance are being sent for the funding the project. Detailed project reports are still under preparation by the government. So far nothing is done on field. Proposal for land acquisition, compensation was fixed at 40000/- and 16000/-per acre of wet and dry land respectively by the government as against the demand of the farmers at the rate of 2.60lakhs,2.85lakhs and 1.50lakhs per acre respectively, presently under cultivation of turmeric, paddy and other crops respectively.

To resolve the land acquisition dispute, district Lok Adalaths have been formed for Nizamabad District and Karimnagar district. The District Lok Adalath at Nizamabad has been convened on 4-7-2001, 9-7-2001, 28-7-2001. The effected royots are demanding Rs. 2,08,200 to Rs.3,35,300 per acre where as the rate offered by the government is only Rs.1.00 lakh per acre. Due to the large variation no settlement could be reached. The Lok Adalath were again held on 25-8-2001,15-9-2001, 5 & 6-10-2001 and after that the DLA was adjourned indefinitely and final decisions has to taken.

Lower Penganga Project:This project is a joint project of Maharastra and Andhra Pradesh across river PenGanga near Chilkala Wadi (v) in Yeotmal, to cultivate 2.38 lakh acres in Yeotmal, Chanda, Dist. of Maharastra and 40000Ac in Adilabad Dist. Andhra Pradesh.

It is informed that out of total yield, water up to Penganga is 123 TMC and the upstream utilization is 83 TMC, the remaining 42 TMC of water can be shared in ratio of 38 TMC for Maharastra and 5 TMC for Andhra Pradesh. It was also agreed that the cost of head works will be shared by the respective states on proportion of water utilization and the cost of canals by the respective states. A joint control board will be established for execution of the project. However as the canal is passing through a sanctuary in Maharastra, revised realignment proposals are under consideration. Meanwhile it is learnt that a writ petition was also filed by the affected Royats of Maharastra before the High Court at Aurangabad, which is pending.

PRANAHITA LI SCHEME : It was proposed across Pranahita river a tributary of Godavari. About 6(v) in Maharastra will be submerged on execution of this project. The government of Maharastra has expressed its inability to accept the proposal. As an alternative, the government is proposing to utilize natural pool in the Godavari river below the confluence of Vardha and Wain Ganga nearTumbi in Adilabad Dist and lift 5TMC of water in 2 stages to irrigate 50000 acres in Adilabad Dist. The cost of project was estimated Rs. 210 crores. (As A.P. Share, 1999-2000).

YELLAMPALLI BARAGE : This is an important project on river Godavari. The site of the project is proposed near Yellampalli (V) Pedapalli, Karimnagar Dist. It is proposed to utilize 65TMC of water from this project, which is below the catchment area of Sriramsagar reservoir. This will enable to augment water supply to tail end Ayacut of SRSP Stage: I and Stage: II. The water of this project can also be utilized for NTPC as an alternative.

Proposed water utilization is as under.

1) Pumping of water to lower Maneru dam to irrigate 4.4lac acres under S.R.S.P Stage I 39.50 TMC

2) Pumping to Saraswatni canal Tail endto irrigate an Ayacut 79000 acres unders R.S.P Stage II 10.00 TMC

3) Pumping of water to NTPC by lifting water in 2 stages (Costing about 60 corores) 6.50 TMC

4) Evarapation loss 7.00 TMC  =Total == 63.00 TMC

The Head works at the Barrage is estimated to cost 980 crores. A new circle is formed to supervise this project.

SARASWATHI CANAL: Under item no(3) above the pumping of 10 TMC of water from Yellampalli Barage from 6.5 km to km 77 of Kadem canal to irrigate 79000 acres of ayacut, cost of the scheme is estimated to 76 crores.  Yellampally project Scheme : (Pumping to LMD)

1) FIRST STAGE : From the Yellampalli Barage intake well to Bandlavagu Cheruvu, to a length of 4kms by lift irrigation.

2) SECOND STAGE : From Bandla Vagu Cheruvu to Nandimedaram Tank by lift irrigation at 8.64kms for a length of 4.54.kms.

3) THIRD STAGE : From N. Medaram to lift for a length of 7.48kms.

4) FOURTH STAGE : From km16 to another 4.65km with lift.

5) FIFTH STAGE : From km 20 to 28 km up to Kakatiya main canal,at Choppadandi.

6) SIXTH STAGE : from km 28 to 52 km up to LMD the water flows by gravity.

The estimated project cost is 1660 crores

The above project plans are entrusted to M/s. consulting engineering services (India) Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, for taking up detailed investigation and preparing detailed project report by the end of May 02. But still no progress is made in this respect.

ICHAMPALLY PROJECT :This is an Interstate multipurpose project across Godavari, 12km down stream at the confluence of Pranahita and Indravathi. The project is envisaged between A.P, Maharastra and Chattisgadh states. The project is to be planned, surveyed and executed. This project after completion will irrigate I570UO acres in Kaharif and 173000 acres in rabi in Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam dists, Under Godavari basin, utilizing 85 TMC of water from the joint grid. The estimated cost of the project is about 4520 crores (SSR 2000)

In the beginning this project was not accepted by the central government on the ground of loss of forest lands due to submerging and it was suggested to select some alternative site from the head works. Now Ichampally site is finally decided as the best site for the head works.

The governments of A. P, Maharastra, and Chattisgadh has submitted their reports to the Prime Minister to treat this project as National project and to sanction the require funds for execution of this project. The central government has constituted a high level committee in July 2000 and the information compiled by the Govt. of A. P. has been discussed by this committee in the second meeting in January 2001. As decided by this committee, the A.P Government had prepared a note on parameters and B.C ratio for different FRLS and furnished to CWC, and to the government of Maharastra and Chattisgadh for approval.

With regards to utilization of 50 TMC to irrigate 500000 acres, a joint control board has been constituted for finalizing FRL +95M is communicated to the respective governments. Concurrence of government of Maharastra is received, and from the government of Chattisgadh is awaited.

The foundation of this project was laid as early as in 1969, but the project is still not cleared so far by the State Govt. Though the Central Govt. has giver, it's clearance a years back. The State Govt. has agenda for discussion to resolve the Inter state dispute with Chattisgarh for treating the project as a national project. It appears that the State Govt. is not keen for implementing this project as otherwise there is no reason why this cannot be resolved for the last 30 years. When a bigger Interstate dispute of Cavery waters can amicably be resolved, why not this dispute, if the state Govt. takes interest sincerely. The project if completed would benefit Warangal, Khammam, Karimnagar and Nalgonda dists. The original plan of 112 Mts of Bund across river Godavari is revised and reduced to 95 Mts which might effect very little, submerging a small area in Chatisgarh. The Govt. of A.P never tried sincerely to come up with a clear mandate to resolve this Inter - State dispute by involving the centre.

GODAVARI LIFT IRRIGATION SCHEME : Godavari runs in Andhra Pradesh for a length of 770kms from the confluence of Manjeera river. After construction of SRSP near Pochampad, the balance of 700 kms, is left with out any project up to Sir Arther Cotton Barrage. The water in the river is mostly contributed by river Pranahita and Indravati rivers. The total annual flow is estimated at 1480 TMC and the excess and unutilized water is flowing in to the sea. Hence the government of Andhra Pradesh has decided to utilize the excess water by lift irrigation schemes, as Godavari lift irrigation project to supply 50 TMC of water to Ichampally project, to bring under irrigation vast lands in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda and Medak dists. As the river flow at 90 mtr. level, and Ayacut in these dists. is at +360 to 500 mtrs. contours (up to 430mts) only the lift irrigation is the solution.

The ayacut under this lift irrigation scheme wiii be in addition to the ayacut already under a cultivation under Incha'mpally Dam, SRSP and flood flow canals. It is proposed to lift 50 TMC to irrigate the following areas.

(a) Karimnagar, 0.95 lac Acres

(b) Warangal 1.95 lac Acres

(c) Nalgonda 1.10 lac Acres

(d) Medak 1.00 lac Acres

Total 5.00 lac Acres

The lift point on Godavari will be 12km down stream of Inchampally dam sight, near Devadula(v) in Warangal dist. The lifting of 50 TMC of water is with in the allocated waters under Godavari water dispute Tribunal award.

STAGES OF LIFTING : On the right bank of river Godavari, runs along the forest.

1) First lift from the 70M to 110M

2) Second lift from 110 to 140M, a length of about 8.5km using Bhim Ganpurtank, Kesava Pattanam tank, and Hasanpalli tank to a height of + 170M + 190M + 220 M + 503M in the 147km length of canals including 97km gravity Channels.

The total scheme involves 430mts to irrigate 3.80 lakh acres in command area, located at a lift of 360M, and 120 lakh acres situated at 500M involving (14) stages with a lift from 10.55 mtrs. in each stage.

The power requirement for this total lift irrigation scheme is 350 MW and total cost of the scheme is estimated at 1800 crores including the cost of land.The government has sanctioned 4.50 crores for Stage 1 and the foundation was laid on 16-6-01 and the department has asked permission to seek international advise on the project. The present stage of the project is under survey and it was decided to entrust the work of preparation of DPR to WAP COS (companies) at a cost 4.15 crores. It should be expedited as time bound work as the proposed project is going to benefit three dists. to irrigate large tracks of land in the backward region of Telangana.

SINGAREDDY PALLI  HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT :This is proposed as multi purpose and envisaged to produce 350 MW of power, which is under consideration and survey of the government.

DUMMUGUDEM POWER PROJECT : Dummugudem anicut was built about 40 years back which is located near Pamulapalli(v) Aswaraopet (M) in Khammam dist, which is 25km up stream of Bhadrachalam. But it is said that the expert committee constituted by the government has reported that it may not be a viable project. However the government has again asked the department to resubmit the project report, to hand over the project to private sector.

DUMMUGUDEM LIFT IRRIGATION SCHEME : This project is proposed on the right bank of Godavari, to lift water to a total height of 115 mtrc in 7 olagcs, which requires 30.50 MW of power to irrigate 91000 acres in Aswapuram, Burugarrtpadu, Palvancha, Tekulapalli, Kothagudem, Julur Padu, Enkur, Kallur, Penavalli and Sattupalli in Khammam.The gravity canals length is 126 kms in between seven stages. This project requires De-forestation of 730 hectares of Reserve forest in total length of 55 kms. Tentative cost of the project is estimated at 330 crores. The govt. hear provided only Rs. 3.00 crores, and on the ground of financial cru. It is proposed by the government to give the entire execution of the project to private parties.

ISSUES ON PROJECTS IN TELANGANA

The following figures will give an idea as to what extent the planning of various projects was manipulated and revised to the advantage of the Andhra region

PLANNED ORIGINALLY IN ANDHRA REGION -ORIGINAL PLANNING

U/Godavari -   U/Krishna 5.87- U/Penna
4.38 1k.Ac     - 5.87 1k.ac.       - 1.751k.Ac

NOW U/IRRIGATION

10.69 1k. Ac   -12.65 1k. Ac    - 2.851 k.Ac

1. SINGUR PROJECT: Contemplated with 15 TMC water to irrigate 87000 acres. Now reduced to 6.51 TMC water to irrigate 50000 acres.The govt. never came with a clear mandate and plan resources and fund provisions etc and did not put sincere efforts to resolve the interstate dispute which can benefit the four Telangana backward districts.

2. NIZAM SAGAR PROJECT: It is proposed to raise the height of the gates by 4-5 feet at Kalyani reservoir and to supplement N.S.main canal at a cost of 985 Iks. Work is reported to be under progress.
(SOURCE : TELANGANA.COM)