Telangana CM seeks irrigation clearances and drought relief from PM Modi
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met the Prime Minister in New Delhi to discuss pending water projects and financial assistance for drought-affected areas.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday to request support for pending irrigation projects and the resolution of inter-state disputes, according to reports by BusinessLine, Siasat and Deccan Chronicle.
Reddy requested the Prime Minister to help secure clearances for several projects, including the Dr S Jaipal Reddy Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS), Sitamma Sagar Multipurpose Project (SSMP) and Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme (DLIS). He noted that despite significant state expenditure, drinking water supply remains delayed due to pending environmental and statutory approvals.
The Chief Minister also asked for the Prime Minister's assistance in persuading the Maharashtra government to allow the construction of the Tummidihetti barrage on the Pranhita River at a height of 152 metres. He stated that Telangana is prepared to pay necessary compensation for land submergence in Maharashtra to facilitate the gravity-based water supply for tribal and backward regions.
Addressing the impact of El Niño, Reddy sought financial aid for drought relief. The state government had previously declared 365 mandals across 31 districts as drought-affected, with 111 mandals facing severe drought. The Assembly had earlier passed a resolution seeking a Rs 20,000 crore central package to manage the rainfall deficit.
Reddy further requested an additional Rs 5,000 crore under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) to complete ongoing projects. He also invited the Prime Minister to the Telangana Global Investors Summit and the Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled for December 11 to 22.
The meeting included Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, State Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and State Minister Vakiti Srihari.