Fast-track Pranahita–Chevella project DPR, Tummidihetti barrage: Minister

HYDERABAD

The State Government has decided to fast-track the preparation of a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Pranahita–Chevella project with priority to construct a barrage at Tummidihetti.

At a review meeting held here on Saturday (October 11, 2025), Minister for Irrigation N. Uttam Kumar Reddy examined the field observations submitted by officials who recently visited Tummidihetti and Sundilla, where detailed technical surveys are underway. Officials explained that the original canal alignment and hydraulic structures remain largely intact and could be reused after minor rehabilitation.

The officials informed the Minister that the canal network extending to nearly 71 km is in usable condition with two major aqueducts completed 70% already. Engineers confirmed that water could flow up to Sundilla entirely through gravity, eliminating the need for multiple lifting stages.

As per the earlier proposal of Pranahita–Chevella, it was envisaged to draw water from Tummidihetti to Chevella through Yellampalli. Officials have now examined the field conditions and found that from 0–71 km downstream of Tummidihetti, several components of the canal were already executed, the Minister said. Of this stretch, about 45 km of canal excavation was completed, while works in the remaining portions were partially finished.

Beyond the 71 km point, located near Mylaram village in Mancherial district, officials discussed two options for taking water further downstream. As per the original scheme, water could be conveyed from Mylaram to Yellampalli reservoir, a stretch of about 50 km that requires a single lift. The alternate proposal is to carry water from the same point directly to Sundilla barrage covering about 35 km through gravity. Both options include a combination of tunnel and open canal sections, but while the first requires lifting, the second functions on gravity flow, making it technically simpler and more economical.

The Minister welcomed the findings and noted that the gravity-based alignment up to Sundilla would enhance both technical and financial feasibility. “We must prepare both options so that a firm decision can be taken before the end of this month,” the Minister said. He instructed officials to set the process in motion for completing the revised DPR by October-end and it must include hydraulic, environmental and cost parameters as well as updated satellite and terrain surveys.

Moving to energy-efficiency measures, the Minister directed the department to identify irrigation lands suitable for establishing solar power plants, stating that the power generated should be used to operate irrigation schemes and pumping stations.

During the review, Uttam Kumar Reddy examined the status of pending proposals for Devadula Package-III, Kalwakurthi Package-29, Palamuru–Rangareddy Package-7 and Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel and instructed officers to complete documentation so that these could be placed before the Cabinet. He also reviewed the progress of the SLBC tunnel including the aerial survey undertaken for alignment verification.