At a review meeting at the secretariat on Saturday, along with minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Uttam stressed the need to translate the substantial investment already made in the project into irrigation benefits for farmers across its intended ayacut of 1.06 lakh acres. Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to complete land acquisition and rehabilitation issues under the Gourelli project through a time-bound programme.
Its original construction agreement was signed in May 2008, during Congress rule in undivided Andhra Pradesh. The reservoir’s capacity was subsequently enhanced from 1.410 TMC to 8.230 TMC, with a supplementary agreement for expanded works signed in Dec 2017. “The reservoir works are nearly 98% complete. Total expenditure on the project has reached Rs 1,343 crore, comprising Rs 886 crore on works, including price escalation, and Rs 456 crore on land acquisition and rehabilitation. Another Rs 114 crore would be required to complete the project.
Environmental clearance, remaining land acquisition, rehabilitation obligations and canal works must be addressed before the project can deliver its intended irrigation benefits,” the minister said. Uttam said the completion of the reservoir must be accompanied by a functioning canal and distributary network capable of carrying water to agricultural fields. He said substantial budgetary provision was available for the financial year and instructed officials to ensure timely progress.
Gouravelli, in Akkannapet mandal of Siddipet district, forms part of the Indiramma flood flow canal project from Sriram Sagar Project. However, the expanded works did not materialise in the absence of the required approvals and clearances. The minister directed revenue and irrigation officials to fast-track the land acquisition process.
The minister directed that the revised reservoir estimate of Rs 1,457 crore be forwarded to the chief secretary for placement before the next cabinet meeting. On land acquisition, he said 3,850 acres have been acquired against the reservoir requirement of 3,870 acres. Compensation for the remaining 20 acres has been deposited before the land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement authority in Hyderabad.
The revision accounts for enhanced land compensation and rehabilitation costs, changes in GST and other statutory charges, and price escalation.