Sitarama Marellapadu Lift Irrigation Scheme Becomes Operational

The Sitarama Marellapadu Lift Irrigation Scheme, taken up at an estimated cost of around ₹610 crore in Ashwapuram mandal of Pinapaka constituency in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, has become operational, bringing Godavari water closer to thousands of acres of farmland in the region.

Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, accompanied by Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, MP Balaram Naik and local MLAs, formally inaugurated the scheme by switching on the pumps and releasing Godavari water into the irrigation network. The launch was followed by a public meeting at Gondigudem, chaired by Pinapaka MLA Payam Venkateshwarlu.

Addressing the gathering, Ponguleti said the first phase of the lift irrigation scheme would supply water to Thummalacheruvu, providing irrigation to nearly 4,300 acres. The government plans to expand the coverage in stages and eventually provide irrigation facilities to around 22,000 to 23,000 acres in Ashwapuram mandal.

The Minister described the project as an important step towards fulfilling the long-standing demand of farmers in the area. He said the government was working to strengthen irrigation infrastructure while pursuing broader development and welfare initiatives across Telangana under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

Ponguleti recalled that the foundation stone for the Sitarama project had been laid by former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. However, several components of the project remained incomplete for years. The present government, he said, had taken up the pending works on a priority basis and was moving towards completing them at the earliest.

The Minister also announced that funds had been sanctioned for the Dommala Vagu Reservoir and that tenders would be invited soon. He said timely completion of the reservoir would help address the irrigation challenges faced by farmers in the Burgampadu region.

Works on the Rekulagandi project would also be taken up, he said. With regard to the long-pending Pulusubontha project, Ponguleti said land acquisition was progressing and the process of providing alternative land to the Forest Department was also under way.

MLAs Tellam Venkat Rao, Korem Kanakayya and Jare Adinarayana, DCC president Devi Prasanna, the district Collector, Sub-Collector, officials, local representatives, Congress leaders and a large number of farmers attended the programme.