Marri Shashidhar Reddy Urges Telangana Government to Reconsider Kodangal Lift Scheme
Hyderabad: Marri Shashidhar Reddy has called on the Telangana government to reconsider its decision to implement the Kodangal Lift Scheme. The scheme, aimed at irrigating 1 lakh acres, is estimated to cost Rs 4,350 crores. He argued that the actual cost could be much higher due to factors like land acquisition and delays. Reddy pointed out that acquiring 3,000 acres alone would double the cost. Additionally, there would be ongoing energy and maintenance charges.
Reddy compared this to the much cheaper Watershed Development Programme, based on Late T. Hanumanth Rao’s four-water concept. According to him, this programme could irrigate the same amount of land for just Rs 150 crores, or Rs 15,000 per acre. He noted that most of the funding for this programme could come from the Indian government, with minimal contributions from the state.
Successful Implementation of the Four-Water Concept
Reddy was speaking at a round table on the Four-Water Concept for Ultimate Water Security for Telangana, organized by the Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Trust. He highlighted the success of this concept in Gotigaripalli village in Kohir Mandal, where it has been providing water for three crops a year for over 23 years. He also pointed out how the programme transformed dry regions in Rajasthan, enabling them to grow three crops annually.
Appeal to State Leadership
Reddy reminded the audience that Telangana’s current Irrigation Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, had attended several events organized by the Trust and was well aware of the benefits of the four-water concept. He urged the minister to convince Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to adopt the watershed programme instead of moving forward with the costly Kodangal Lift Scheme. He invited them to visit Gotigaripalli and Rajasthan to see the benefits firsthand.
Support from National Leaders
Shashidhar Reddy also mentioned that he had invited BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dr. K. Laxman to the event for a special reason. He explained that the four-water concept should be brought to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so it could be implemented nationwide. He emphasized the need to educate members of Parliament about this approach.
Dr. Laxman expressed strong interest in the concept and praised the efforts of the Trust and Reddy. He promised to help bring national recognition to the programme and suggested that the Trust organize a round table in Delhi. He also pledged to ensure the participation of many MPs. Laxman questioned why other state chief ministers couldn’t adopt this model, as former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje had done in her state.
Calls for a Rethink of the Lift Scheme
Dr. Laxman urged Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to reconsider the Kodangal Lift Scheme and instead opt for the cost-effective watershed development programme. He argued that this alternative would be a more viable and economical solution.
Praise for the Trust’s Efforts
MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy also praised the Trust for raising public awareness about the four-water concept. He emphasized that this low-cost solution could provide water for three crops annually, benefiting farmers across the state.
Presentations Highlighting Success Stories
At the event, Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy, an environmentalist and Trust member, welcomed the attendees and spoke about the sustainable benefits of the four-water concept. Public policy specialist Dr. Donthi Narasimha Reddy gave a presentation on the success in Gotigaripalli village. Former Sarpanch Rachappa and other villagers were present to share their experiences.
Additionally, Dr. P.V. Raju, a scientist from NRSC, detailed the support given by NRSC and ISRO for watershed development and monitoring. Retired SE from Rajasthan, Deepak Prasad Shrivatsav, also presented how the programme had significantly improved the lives of marginalized communities in Banswara district, where 75% of the population has benefited from it.
