Telangana to launch statewide water restoration programme in 2027
The six-month initiative will focus on repairing irrigation infrastructure and recharging groundwater across villages to address water stress.
The Telangana government will start a six-month water restoration project across its villages from January to June 2027, according to Urban Acres.
State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the programme aims to address water stress linked to current El Nino conditions by repairing irrigation systems, recharging groundwater, and providing rural employment.
The panchayat raj and rural development departments will jointly prepare and execute the plan before the next monsoon. The initiative will involve village communities, specifically agricultural labourers, to create lasting water assets and improve existing infrastructure.
During a high-level review meeting at the state secretariat, Reddy stated that officials have identified 355 categories of work for the period. He instructed departments to create a comprehensive action plan with specific objectives, sufficient funding, and effective village-level implementation.
The project is expected to use the employment guarantee framework, with the current 60:40 funding model being supplemented by additional state assistance. Reddy confirmed the Telangana government would provide any necessary extra funds.
Planned works include desilting minor irrigation tanks, village ponds, feeder channels, and canals, alongside repairing damaged sluice gates and traditional harvesting structures. Officials will also look into building check dams across small rivers and streams to support groundwater recharge.