Telangana's irrigation budget raises concerns over funding

The budget for the irrigation sector in Telangana for 2025-26 has been announced, and it shows a slight increase but remains insufficient for large projects. The Deputy Chief Minister, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, presented a total allocation of ₹23,355 crore, which is a 4.8% rise from the previous year. However, only ₹11,800 crore is set aside for completing ongoing projects and starting some new ones. These ongoing projects include Palamuru-Rangareddy, Sita Rama, Devadula, and others. New initiatives, like the Kodangal and Pranahita lift irrigation projects, will also receive funding. The rest of the budget, around ₹11,500 crore, will go towards operational costs, salaries, land acquisition, and loan repayments for existing projects. Despite a significant investment of ₹1.81 lakh crore from 2014 to 2024, only 15.81 lakh acres of irrigation potential was developed. The Kaleshwaram project consumed ₹93,872 crore but added just 98,590 acres of new irrigation. The government is also facing annual costs of ₹18,000 crore for loan repayments. Minister for Irrigation, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, praised the budget, highlighting its focus on ensuring farmers have a reliable water supply. He also emphasized the government's commitment to securing Telangana’s water rights in the Krishna and Godavari Basins through legal channels.