Gudendoddi Reservoir to Expand From 1.19 TMC to 15 TMC as Government Gives Green Signal

The Telangana government has approved a major expansion of the Gudendoddi Balancing Reservoir in Jogulamba Gadwal district, raising its storage capacity from the existing 1.19 TMC to 15 TMC. The expansion is being taken up as part of a proposal to integrate a pumped storage project (PSP) with solar power generation.

The decision was formalised through government orders issued by the Irrigation and Ayacut Development (Projects-II) Department. The government considered a report submitted by the Chief Engineer-I, Wanaparthy, before approving the proposal to expand the reservoir.

As part of the preparatory work, the government has authorised the use of a professional consultant or specialised agency to conduct the studies and surveys required for the expansion. These include topographical, geological, geotechnical, hydrological and bathymetric investigations, which are expected to provide the technical basis for taking the project forward.

The government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for these surveys and investigations. The studies will assess the terrain, geological conditions, water-related factors and reservoir characteristics needed to determine the feasibility and requirements of the proposed expansion.

In a separate but related move, the state has also approved Rs 165 crore for acquiring an additional 1,100 acres of land required for the project. The amount has received both administrative approval and financial sanction, with the government orders directing that the expenditure be recorded under the designated account.

With the allocations for technical studies and land acquisition combined, the government has committed a total of Rs 180 crore at this stage.

Located in Dharur mandal of Jogulamba Gadwal district, the Gudendoddi Balancing Reservoir is part of the Jawahar Nettampadu Lift Irrigation Scheme (JNLIS). The substantial increase in storage capacity is expected to strengthen water storage and management in the project area while supporting the proposed integration with pumped storage and solar power infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on September 4 directed officials to invite tenders for the second phase of the Makthal-Narayanpet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme. During a review meeting in Kodangal, he asked officials to submit annual budget requirements to accelerate the works. The first phase is targeted for completion by December 2027, while the second phase is scheduled for October 2028.