Recognizing that innovative irrigation practises can improve water efficiency, ensure a more consistent food supply, and aid in gaining an economic advantage, the State government prioritised irrigation facilities by commissioning new projects and improving old irrigation infrastructure, resulting in significant increases in agricultural output and water availability in the State.
According to the Socio Economic Outlook 2023, the Telangana government spent Rs 1.61 lakh crore on irrigation projects in the state from 2014-15 to 2022-23, resulting in an increase of 117 percent in the Gross Irrigated Area (GIA) from 62.48 lakh acres in 2014-15 to 135 lakh acres in 2021-22.
According to the SEO, the increase in irrigation areas has been driven by the State government’s ongoing efforts to create new and augment water resources on a priority basis.
To achieve maximum irrigation coverage in the state, the government used a multi-pronged approach.
Following the formation of Telangana, the BRS government launched major projects such as the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, through which about 18.25 lakh acres has been brought under irrigation.
Similarly, the Sita Rama Lift Irrigation Scheme was completed, and approximately 3.87 lakh acres are now receiving water from this project. The J Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme, which was also completed, is assisting in the acquisition of water for 5.58 lakh acres.
The Rajeev Bhima Lift Irrigation Scheme has irrigated approximately 2.03 lakh acres. The Mahatma Gandhi Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme provided water for 4.24 lakh acres, while the Jawahar Nettempadu Lift Irrigation Scheme contributed to the irrigation of approximately 2 lakh acres.
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The Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) and the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme (DLIS) are currently in the works and, when completed, would bring about 12.30 lakh acres and 3.61 lakh acres, respectively
Aside from improving irrigation projects, the State government undertook Mission Kakatiya to restore minor irrigation tanks.
In the last five years, approximately 27,472 tanks were restored at a cost of Rs.5,349 crore, stabilising an area of 15.05 lakh acres with a storage capacity of 8.93 TMC.
The Irrigation Potential Utilization of the state has increased to 97.57 lakh acres during 2021-22 due to the construction of various projects, lift irrigation schemes, restoration of minor irrigation tanks, and check dams, following which the state became a major paddy production State and the second largest in paddy procurement by FCI.
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