Nagarjunsagar Project

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.

DUMMUGUDEM POWER PROJECT

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. 

Yellampally Project & Scheme

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.

PRANAHITA LI SCHEME & YELLAMPALLI BARAGE

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.

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

FLOOD FLOW CANAL -- Telangana

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.

MANDAKINI CANAL

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

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.

SARASWATHI CANAL

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 & 2nd Phase

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.

NIZAM SAGAR PROJECT

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.

RIVER GODAVARI

RIVER GODAVARI :

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	irrigated 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.

Projects on Krishna basin

 Projects on Krishna basin

 Krishna Basin 

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 

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.

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.

Brief Irrigation details of Telangana

Irrigation

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               

                            Total           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

                        Total         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                

                        Total             142.00 TMC

 UNDER EXECUTION

1. Nagarjunsagar left canal  161.00 TMC

2. Tungabhadra left canal   19.00 TMC               

                        Total           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)

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.

Server 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.

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.

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.

Mission Kakatiya

IMPORTANCE OF THE TANKS IN THE STATE

Tanks have been the life line of Telangana owing to the state's geographical positioning. The people of the state are highly dependent on the tanks which are spread across all the 10 districts. The topography and rainfall pattern in Telangana have made tank irrigation an ideal type of irrigation by storing and regulating water flow for agricultural use.

Construction of tanks in Telangana has been an age old activity since pre Satavahana era. During the Kakatiya era, the construction of tanks was carried out with utmost technical expertise. Tanks such as Ramappa, Pakhala, Laknavaram, Ghanapuram, Bayyaram which were built by Kakatiyas resemble seas and they greatly helped agriculture and overall development and prosperity of the Kakatiya kingdom.

This vision and legacy of Kakatiyas were carried forward by Qutubshahis and Asafjahis who ruled this region for centuries. Hundreds of big and small tanks were built in Telangana region during their rule. Government desires to uphold the vision of Kakatiyas which envisages revival and restoration of Minor Irrigation Sources in Telangana State.

Tank irrigation has huge bearing on generation of rural employment, poverty reduction and agricultural growth. The sheer size of command area under tank irrigation makes it a large center of agricultural production and provides a critical opportunity for commercial agriculture through market linkages.

IRRIGATION POLICY OF THE COMBINED STATE OF A.P

Infact, the A.P. irrigation policy, at the instance of Andhra leadership coming from Coastal Andhra, has given rise to uneven development. It emphasized on the major irrigation, whereas the alluvial plains irrigated by the tanks have remained largely insignificant. This irrigation policy resulted in the destruction of age-old water conservation systems with chains of tank networks. The successive Governments successfully ignored the maintenance and development of tanks and allowed them to face extinction by way of siltation, breaches, encroachments etc. With the extinction of tank system, the self-sufficient villages of Telangana have become drought prone areas.

Today the drought is manifested in every facet of human life and it is particularly so with the rural poor. The exodus of people from rural areas of Telangana to Hyderabad and other far off places has made their lives vulnerable. This has also proliferated the squatter settlements and slums in the urban areas. The Krishna, Godavari, Musi and Manjira rivers traverse through the semi-arid lands of Telangana districts especially Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Medak, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar. But large quantities of water from these rivers are diverted to subsist the industrial, drinking and other needs of Hyderabad and irrigation needs of Andhra. Otherwise, these rivers would have sufficed and satiated the water needs of these districts. Irrigation policies of A.P. exposed the true colours of regional bias and machinations to promote their interests.

This continuous and policy based discrimination in Irrigation Sector turned Telangana Region into a graveyard of farmers and land of migration. Self-sustained villages of Telangana have become drought prone villages. 80 % farmer suicides that occurred in AP state were from Telangana region and millions of people from 10 Telangana districts migrated to far off places like Mumbai, Bhivandi, Surat, Ahmedabad and Gulf countries as laborers in search of livelihood. 16 lakh population from Mahaboobnagar district alone migrated to far off places. Hence, exploitation of water resources has been one of the major concerns of Telangana movement and people strongly felt that creation of a new state of Telangana, that is, state power alone would fetch them water.

Realizing the importance of reclamation of tanks for growth in the state, the Government of Telangana State has taken up the programme of restoring the minor irrigation sources under the title Mission Kakatiya (Mana Ooru Mana Cheruvu). The mission aims at retrieving the lost glory of minor irrigation in the state with community participation for ensuring sustainable water security.

In July 2014 Irrigation Department, Govt of Telangana has carried out for the first time, the census of Minor Irrigation sources in Telangana, which include M.I tanks constructed and maintained by Irrigation Dept., M.I Tanks constructed by Panchayat Raj Dept. and later transferred to Irrigation Dept., Percolation Tanks, Forest Tanks, Private Kuntas, Anicuts and Check dams. As per the enumeration, the total number of tanks is found to be around 46,531. The irrigation department has planned to restore all the 46,531 minor irrigation sources in the state in next five years, taking up 20% of the tanks each year.

THE OBJECTIVE OF MISSION KAKATIYA

The objective of Mission Kakatiya is to enhance the development of agriculture based income for small and marginal farmers, by accelerating the development of minor irrigation infrastructure, strengthening community based irrigation management and adopting a comprehensive programme for restoration of tanks.

INTRODUCTION

The Government has prioritized to take the restoration of minor irrigation tanks to restore them to store their original capacity and to effectively utilize 255 TMC of water allocated for Minor irrigation sector under Godavari & Krishna River basins.

The minimum ayacut that can be irrigated with the above allocated water is about 20 lakh acres.But as per the statistics the ayacut now being irrigated is only about 9 to 10 lakh acres under Minor Irrigation tanks. Thus, there is a gap ayacut of about 10 lakh acres.The reasons for this gap ayacut under Minor Irrigation tanks are due to.1) Loss of water storage capacity of tanks due to accumulation of silt in tank beds over a long period.2) Due to dilapidated sluices, weirs and weak bunds3) De to defunct of feeder channels.4) Due to dilapidated condition of Irrigation canals.

A reconciliation survey was conducted to identify the exact number of all types of Minor irrigation sources in Telangana State. As persurvey 46,531 No of M.I, Small tanks, Percolation tanks, Private Kuntas and Small tanks (constructed by Forest Department) were identified for restoration.

The massive programme for Restoration of tanks is named as "ChinnaNeetiVanarulaPunaruddarana" and it is renamed as "Mission Kakatiya".

The Govt is planned to restore 9,306 Tanks every year (20% of total tanks) with an eventual target of restoring all 46,531 tanks in 5 years, in a phased manner

The present programme of "MISSION KAKATIYA" is to bring this gap ayauct of 10 lakh acres in to command which requires no further allocation of water and also land acquisition.

This gap ayacut of 10 lakh acres under Minor Irrigation tanks can be brought to Irrigation.

1) By de-silting the tank beds to restore original water storage capacity of tanks.2) By repairing dilapidated sluices, weirs etc.,3) By strengthening the tank bunds to its original standards.4) By repairing the feeder channels to standards for getting water freely into tanks.( Part of chain of tanks)5) By re-sectioning of irrigation channelsto standards & Repairs to CM & CD works for smooth distribution of water to fields according to their requirement.

IDENTIFICATION OF TANKS

1) The District Minister/ local MLA/MLC/Public representatives will be approached to identify priority order for restoration of local tanks.2) Mandal Assistant Executive Engineer will submit the list of tanks under his Jurisdiction (along with their ayacut) to concerned officials / public representatives.3) Identify tanks for which repair works have already been taken up under programme like CBTMP, RRR & Normal State Plan, along with type of the repairs taken up.4) Preference will be given to tanks which have greater ayacut and good source of water.5) Tanks which have not been covered under any programme will be given priority.6) The chain of tanks in Mandal will be identified in the 1stphase. Repairs/ Re-sectioning of Feeder channel and Silt removal in the tanks will be taken up as priority basis.7) One urban tank at constituency Head Quarters will be taken up and developed as Mini Tank Bund.

Advantages of Silt removal& Silt Application

a) The water retention capacity of the soil will increase thereby decreasing the number of wettings.b) De-silting will improve ground water recharging capacity and increase the capacity of the tank there by increasing the availability of water even during the summer for irrigation & drinking water purposes.c) As per studies conducted, it is observed that due to de-silting the fluoride content in the ground water will be reduced considerably.d) Silt can be used as nutrient / fertilizer to the plant which generally reduces the usage of fertilizer.e) The yield of the crops like cotton and chillies is increased by 20 to 30%.

MAKING IT AS A PEOPLE'S PROGRAMME

It is programmed to publicize the importance of Chinna Neeti Vanarula Punaruddharana in the public through wide publicity to make them aware and participate in the massive programme designed by the Government. There is a necessity to motivate and encourage the end users for their participation explaining the Benefits of the tank to the public by various type of media. The respective departments are addressed accordingly to publicize the benefits of the programme and importance of people's participation.

ORGANIZATION SETUP

To handle the massive programme Mission Kakatiya the M.I. Sector is reorganized and Strengthened with following Administrative structure.

1) Two Chief Engineers, one for Minor Irrigation (Godavari Basin) and Minor Irrigation( Krishna Basin)2) Nodal Officers of Chief Engineer Rank to supervise the progress works are appointed for each district.3) One Superintending Engineer is allotted at District Level.4) One Executive Engineer is allotted for each revenue division.5) One Deputy Executive Engineer for Each Constituency.6) One Assistant Executive Engineer for Each Mandal.

At present there are 556 No of AEEs/AEs, 127 No of Dy.EEs 44 No of EEs & 10 No of SEs are working under Minor Irrigation Sector looking after Mission Kakatiya.

In addition to present organization setup 115 Nos. of Retired Dy.EEs / AEEs / AEs / TOs are engaged on contract basis in the field for effective functioning of Mission Kakatiya works for attaining better results as scheduled.

The works shall be sanctioned only after inspection of concerned officer as per the norms given below issued vide G.O.Ms.No.44 Dt.13.03.2015.

TaskPowers delegated toValue in Rs. LakhsIinspection before technical sanctionExecutive Engineerup to 100Superintending Engineer100-500Chief EngineerAbove 500Technical Sanction and Tender ApprovalExecutive Engineer50Superintending Engineer50 to 100Technical SanctionChief EngineerAbove 100 & up to AA accordedTenders ApprovalChief Engineer100 to 400Commissioner of TendersAbove 400

The schedule of tender process

Sl.No.ProcessEarlierPresent1Calling of Tenders14 Days7 Days2Acceptance of Tenders90 Days7 Days3Concluding Agreements14Days5 Days4Additional security Deposit< 25 %< 10 %

FUNDING PATTERN

So far 8281 nos. of estimates were submitted to Government for Administrative Sanctions against which, the Government have accorded Administrative Approval for 8085 nos. of works costing Rs.2572.16 Cr under Mission Kakatiya.

As a part of MissionKakatiya 1621 No of works costing Rs. 379.21 Crores are funded by NABARD.

Government of India has agreed to sanction Restoration of tanks under RRR Phase III. As apart 335 DPRs submitted to CWC after STAC meeting costing Rs. 310.00 Crores and will be started soon.

The balance works are proposed to be taken up with State Plan & World Bank funding.

BUDGET ALLOCATION

The budget provision for the year 2014-15 is Rs.2016 crores( MI Rs.1671 crores + IDC Rs.345 crores) and 2015-16 is Rs.2083.13 crores ( MI Rs.1783.13 crores + IDC Rs.300 crores) under Minor irrigation including IDC.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL CO-ORDINATION

In order to ensure inter departmental coordination at the District level, the Government have constituted the District Level Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee for Mission Kakatiya. The composition of the Committee is as follows:

District Collector:ChairmanJoint Collector:MemberConservator of Forest/Divisional Forest Officer (Social Forestry):MemberSuperintending Engineer (MI):Member-convenerChief Executive Officer, ZillaParishad:MemberJoint Director of Agriculture:MemberSub-Collectors/Revenue Divisional Officers in the district:MemberProject Director, DWAMA:MemberExecutive Officer, BC Co-operative Society:MemberAssistant Director, Fisheries:MemberDistrict Panchayat Officer:MemberDistrict Public Relations Officer:MemberDeputy Director, Ground water:MemberChief Planning Officer:Member

District level committee shall meet once in a week during the working season and once in a month during the rest of the year. The tank wise progress of implementation of the works should be reviewed, any problems encountered with, if any, in implementation of the programme be discussed and resolved. Minutes of the meeting will be communicated to the officers concerned.

Irrigation & CAD department

The Irrigation & CAD department is the chief implementing department. The works will be executed through the Superintending Engineer and the Executive Engineer of the concerned areas, supported by the field engineers i.e., Dy. Executive Engineers and the Assistant Executive Engineers, under overall supervision of the Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation. The engineers at all the levels will have to be in constant touch with the officials of the line departments to have better coordination.

Agriculture Department

The tasks that are to be carried out by the Agriculture department are : In all tanks, samples of the silt should be collected to test its suitability for application in agriculture fields and wide publicity should be given to utilize tank bed silt by farmers. b) The farmers should be motivated by the department on the following;

1) Efficient use of available water through change in irrigation system and improved water management techniques.2) Increase in productivity of farms through suitable cropping pattern and increased cropping intensity.3) Balanced use of chemical fertilizers and judicious use of plant protection chemicals.4) Reduction of cultivation cost through introduction of improved implements and equipment.5) Introduction of high-tech agriculture to increase the farm returns.

Rural Development Department

The department should converge various other programmes being implemented, with the Mission Kakatiya and coordinate with other line departments whenever and wherever necessary.

Forest Department

The tasks that are to be carried out by the Forest department are

• Effective utilization of tank foreshore areas in selected locations through afforestation.• Nursery raising and plantation wherever necessary.• Training for maintenance and cultural operations. IV)Planting Silver Oak and Toddy ( Eetha ) trees around the tank boundaries. These activities, apart from reducing silt inflow into the tank, are also expected to create an additional, sustainable income source for the tank community.

Fisheries Department

The department should take up the following activities which will result in increase in aquaculture.

(i) Upgrading production practices through improved stocking.(ii) use of Improved feeding, management and harvesting techniques.(iii) Intensive fish and prawn cultivation.

Revenue Department

The Revenue Department officials will have to coordinate with the field Engineers in

• Identifying the Shikam lands.• Determining/demarking the FTL of tank.• Identifying the government waste lands for dumping the unproductive soil.• Cooperating between Revenue and Irrigation depts for removing illegal constructions in tank bed .

Ground Water Department

The ground water department should regularly

• Monitor the groundwater levels and quality of groundwater.• Supply list of over exploited villages to the district Superintending Engineers/Executive Engineers.

Information and Public Relations Department

i)Create awareness on the benefits of restoration of the tanks by using different types of media and organizing IEC activities like street plays, kalajathas, wall writings, pamphlets and involving rural folklore like Chindu, Voggukathalu etc.,

ii) Motivate the farmers to utilize the useful silt excavated out of the tanks in their agriculture fields at their cost, by explaining the benefits that come out of it.

iii) Organize essay and elocution competitions for the students on the topic "tanks and their restoration", in coordination with the education department, at school, mandal and district levels and award prizes to the winners to encourage them in motivating their parents.

iv) Involve NCC, NSS, Guides and Scouts and Nehru YuvakKendras etc., in propagating the benefits of the programme.

v.) Involve Public Representatives and SHGs in the programme.

MONITORING TOOL

A website is under development to tackle the massive programme Mission kakatiya to track the progress of works online and proposed to effect the payments duly linking the Bill Monitoring System with this website. The web site is under finalization and developed by the e governance wing of the Irrigation Department.

In the recent past the restoration and maintenance works of Minor Irrigation tanks were being taken up only for Bund, Weir, Sluice, Irrigation Channels etc.

De-siltation of tanks are taken up to bring them to the original capacity of tanks. Now it is proposed for Silt Removal/ Silt Application as one of the component in the restoration of the Tanks. The silt so removed is proposed to use as manure for the fields with the participation of farmers by transporting and spreading in the fields with their cost.

On account of de-siltation of the tanks the following are the advantages which may benefit the farmers.

1. The water retention capacity of the soil will increase there by decreasing the number of wettings.2. De-silting can improve ground water recharge and drinking water facility to cattle in the summer.3. Due to de-silting, it is observed that the fluoride content in the ground water is reduced considerably as per studies conducted.4. Silt can be used as nutrient / fertilizer to the plant which generally reduces the usage of fertilizer.5. The yield of the crop is increased by 20 to 30 % for cotton and chillies.6. There is a scope for getting carbon credits in the international market.

Telangana ku Haritha Haram in English

Haritha Haram largest green drive in India

Conceived by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao himself, the highly prestigious afforestation programme of Telangana aims at hugely expanding the green cover in the State. As many as 230 crore seedlings are targeted to be planted across the State in stages. The government is making the programme essentially a people-driven movement, by involving all sections. The entire government machinery is geared up to ensure the success of the programme which will be launched by President Pranab Mukherjee near Yadagirigutta in Nalgonda district on July 3

The stage is all set and everything has been put in place to launch the prestigious people-centric programme of ‘Telangana ku Haritha Haram’ on July 3, 2015. The programme was conceived a year ago by the Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, with an objective of improving green cover, maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

The State government is leaving no stone unturned in its greenery efforts in view of CM KCR’s keen interest in the programme

The State government is leaving no stone unturned in its greenery efforts in view of CM KCR’s keen interest in the programme

While conceiving and designing the programme, the Chief Minister said that due to shortage of forests and increasing deforestation, there was an increasing need to go for massive plantation as well as regeneration of the forests. Growing of trees was the only way to ensure higher rainfall with attendant benefits for all, he stressed.

‘Telangana ku Haritha Haram’ is one of the flagship programmes announced by the Chief Minister envisaging increase of the tree cover of the State from 24% to 33% of the total geographical area. As part of this, in the coming three years, 230 crore seedlings are proposed to be added to the greenery of the State. Out of this, 130 crore seedlings are proposed to be planted outside the notified forest areas, including 10 crore within the limits of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

It is also proposed to rejuvenate the parched lands with 100 crore plants in the notified forests by way of intensive protection of the forests and encouraging live root stock. This means 40 crore plants every year at the rate of 40 lakh saplings in each of the Assembly segments. Accordingly, nurseries have been developed and the seedlings are ready for plantation all over the State. The trees proposed to be planted in forest would be of wild fruit bearing ones. They also include medicinal and aromatic plants.

The Haritha Haram shall be a people’s movement according to the Chief Minister. “Haritham, Shivam, Sundaram” is the motto of the programme. The massive plantation programme has to be viewed in the context of overall development of Telangana State as well as Hyderabad brand image development. The programme aims at schematic plantation as was done in Singapore, unlike the old fashioned avenue plantations.

People should have a feeling that they are walking in the forest. It is also envisaged to go for plantations all around rivers, rivulets, banks, tank bunds, compounds of all institutions, institutional areas, industrial areas, factories, university campuses etc. In order to make this a successful and long-term sustainable programme, the Chief Minister reviewed its progress from time to time with the Minister concerned, senior officials of forest department, District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, forest officers like Rangers, DFOs, Conservators and others.

For taking forward the programme without any hurdle, the CM enquired from the field-level forest personnel about their problems and offered solutions. In one of the review meetings with them, when it was brought to the CM’s notice about the unauthorised occupations of the forest area by some people and timber smugglers, he promised full support to them from the government to act tough with occupants and smugglers.

The CM also offered gunmen facility to forest staff wherever required. To strengthen the plantation programme and make available the forest land, he suggested that District Collectors and Forest Officers should conduct a joint survey of forest lands for fixing boundaries. In subsequent review meetings, the Chief Minister has also given a call to increase the number of plantations to 320 crore to make it more effective. He suggested increasing the number to 60-70 crore from the next year.

He also desired that the first or second week of July every year shall be observed as Haritha Haram week as a participatory programme and Collectors should evince a keen interest in plantation. At the latest review meeting with Collectors, SPs and Forest Officers, the CM said that there has been a lot of praise for the Haritha Haram programme from all over the country. Several people are mentioning that such a programme has never been conceived and implemented as is being done in Telangana.

This has to be carried as a people’s movement. The CM also made a special mention about the keen interest being evinced by police officers. This is not merely a forest department program, but it belongs to all, he stressed, adding that it was also decided to plant trees along the national and the State highways. Against this background, on the whole, 39.6 crore seedlings have been raised in the State. District-wise, constituency-wise and village-level plans for the programme have already been chalked out and are ready with the Collectors. Planting sites have been identified.

In the capital, along the Outer Ring Road, thematic planting is being covered under the Haritha Haram programme. As for the funds, NREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), afforestation funds through the forest department, industrial funds through industries department and municipality funds through municipality department have been tied up and linked to the programme. “Gram Panchayat Haritha Rakshana Committees” have been constituted at village levels.

Each committee is headed by village Sarpanch and includes among others MPTC, panchayat secretary, SHG leader, ANM and Anganwadi worker. The committee, besides ensuring successful implementation of the programme, will ensure protection of the plants and involve people through motivation. A publicity blitzkrieg has been launched in the form of short films like TV ads, radio jingles, campaigns and flickers. Posters, pamphlets, stickers for vehicles have been prepared.

Samskritika Saradhi teams are also drawn and are already active. Kavisammelanams, avadhanams, mushairas etc. are being organized. Meetings have been held from State level to village level. Meetings with all the central and the state government institutions including Army officers and Cantonment Boards were also conducted to enlist their support and participation. Haritha Haram nursery directories have been printed district-wise, giving details of seedlings available nursery wise and constituency-wise.

The same has been sent to all the elected representatives and to all Gram Panchayats. Detailed guidelines have been issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) regarding the roles and responsibilities of various participating departments. An Officer on Special duty to CM is monitoring the programme in each district.

Haritha Haram reminds one of a similar programme taken up in China where a massive tree plantation programme has helped offset tropical deforestation. China’s reforestation programme known as the “Green Great Wall” is said to be the world’s largest ecological engineering project. In a matter of three years, ‘Telangana ku Haritha Haram’ will become one of the best practices in green cover expansion efforts.

(The writer is the Chief Public Relations Officer to the Telangana Chief Minister)

Courtesy:The Hans India