Devadula Phase-VI to Launch by December 2028, Says Minister Reddy

HYDERABAD — Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Saturday that Phase-VI of the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme will be completed and operationalised by December 2028. This development aims to bring Godavari water to the Tungaturthi constituency in Suryapet district, providing a reliable irrigation source to the region.

High Priority for Devadula Project Completion
Speaking at Suryapet during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Reddy emphasised the government's commitment to removing bottlenecks in the project to ensure timely completion. He noted that substantial investments in the Devadula scheme would translate into assured irrigation benefits once operational.

The minister highlighted the significance of Phase-VI for Tungaturthi, where agriculture heavily relies on rainfall and local water sources. The integration of Godavari water would stabilise the existing ayacut and extend irrigation to underserved areas, boosting agricultural productivity.

Regional Water Security to Improve
Beyond Tungaturthi, the operationalisation of Phase-VI is expected to strengthen water security across Suryapet district. The integration of Godavari water with the district’s irrigation network will mitigate agricultural risks during deficient rainfall years and enhance water resource management. This initiative will complement irrigation benefits from Krishna basin systems and local projects, Reddy explained.

Broader Irrigation Push
The government is also advancing three major irrigation projects with a combined investment of ₹2,392 crore, targeting irrigation coverage for nearly 77,000 acres. These include the ₹1,649 crore Mahatma Gandhi Muktyala Branch Canal Lift Irrigation Scheme (benefitting 53,000 acres), the ₹292 crore Jawahar Jampadu Branch Canal (10,000 acres), and the ₹451 crore Rajiv Gandhi Lift Irrigation Scheme (14,000 acres).

Efforts to expedite land acquisition and other requirements for these projects are underway, alongside lift irrigation schemes at Mothe, Redlagunta, and Rajiv Shantinagar R-9. Additionally, ₹396 crore has been sanctioned for modernising the Nagarjunasagar Left Canal network, and ₹70 crore for the Musi project canals.

Focus on Water Management
Reddy underscored the importance of prudent water management in the district, which has an ayacut of approximately 5.82 lakh acres. While drinking water remains the top priority, the government is reviewing water availability in Nagarjunasagar, SRSP Stage-II, Musi, and other systems to ensure optimal utilisation for irrigation.

The completion of Devadula Phase-VI and associated projects is expected to transform the agricultural landscape of Suryapet district, reducing dependency on rainfall and enhancing long-term water security.

Source: The Hindu