CM Revanth Reddy Orders Assembly Debate on Godavari Waters, Reviews Devadula Project

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced that the State Assembly will hold a comprehensive debate during the Budget Session on the utilisation of Godavari river waters , inter-state disputes, and pending irrigation works. Speaking during his inspection of the J. Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme pump house in Mulugu district, he assured citizens that the government remains firmly committed to protecting Telangana’s rightful share in the Godavari and Krishna rivers. He emphasized that achieving a permanent solution to water-sharing disputes is a priority and said the state will first pursue dialogue with neighbouring states; if necessary, it will approach River Management Boards , tribunals, or even the Supreme Court to safeguard its interests.

During the visit, the Chief minister reviewed the progress of the Devadula project, inspected pump operations, and interacted with engineers and officials. The Devadula scheme, one of the largest lift irrigation projects in Asia, is designed to draw water from the Godavari to upland and drought-prone regions, expanding irrigation coverage and strengthening agricultural stability in North Telangana. Revanth Reddy stated that Telangana will protect its rights over net, surplus, and flood waters , noting that delays in earlier administrations prevented optimal utilisation and that nearly 967 TMC could have been used if projects had been completed on time.

Highlighting fiscal challenges, the Chief Minister said the state carries a debt burden of about ₹8.11 lakh crore , which constrains immediate funding, yet the government aims to complete all pending irrigation projects within two years by mobilizing necessary resources. He announced a comprehensive review of projects from Tummadihatti to Bhadrachalam and reiterated that the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project remains central to Telangana’s water strategy. The Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages will undergo safety assessments and restoration measures to ensure long-term reliability.

To accelerate progress, the government will release ₹600 crore by June 2 for land acquisition under the Devadula project and create a dedicated corpus fund to support land procurement for irrigation works statewide. Officials were instructed to complete pump repairs within a month, obtain Cabinet approval for project estimates, and fast-track compensation to displaced landowners through a green-channel mechanism to prevent delays. The Chief Minister also directed preparation of a detailed plan to link Ramappa Lake with Jampanna Vagu to improve irrigation and drinking water supply through resource integration.