Hyderabad: The State government of Telangana is taking steps to address the growing problem of silt accumulation in major reservoirs and irrigation projects. This includes the Nagarjuna Sagar and the reservoirs built under the Kaleshwaram project. The goal is to ensure these structures remain sturdy and can maintain proper water levels consistently.
To tackle this issue, the government has decided to follow guidelines outlined in the national framework for sediment management, which was developed by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. These guidelines will help in carrying out the desilting process more effectively.
Officials from the State irrigation department have already studied the silt problem in various projects and reservoirs. This includes recently constructed reservoirs like Mallanna Sagar, Kondapochamma Sagar, and Ranganayak Sagar. Experts say managing sediment in these reservoirs is essential to maintaining their structural integrity over the long term.
The process of desilting will primarily take place during the low season, when reservoir water levels are low or dry. During this time, silt from the storage areas will be removed and transported to safe locations. Authorities emphasized that these dumping sites must be chosen carefully to prevent the removed sediment from washing back into the same reservoir or affecting other reservoirs downstream during rainy or flood conditions. Proper planning and scientific management are crucial, as removing sediment is a challenging task.
To oversee this initiative, the State government has formed a three-member cabinet subcommittee led by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. This committee will study and recommend how to implement the national framework for sediment management effectively.
The Central government has already permitted states to manage reservoir quality without requiring additional environmental clearances for such works. With this approval, the State plans to move ahead with sediment management tasks. Departments like Irrigation, Ground Water, and Mines will work together to carry out this effort.
