KCR praises Harish, wants Kaleshwaram fast-tracked

HYDERABAD: Expressing happiness over the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project getting Union forest and environment ministry’s nod, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday wanted the officials to complete the project works on a fast track.  “Complete the works expeditiously to remove people’s suffering that was endured for decades for want of water,” he directed the officials.  Rao, who held a meeting here on Monday, congratulated irrigation minister  T Harish Rao, and irrigation and forest officials on getting the clearances.  

“We have redesigned the projects to draw more water from places where water availability is more and to utilise at the optimal levels our share of water in the rivers. Of these, Kaleshwaram is an important project. Through this project in the old seven districts, 70 percent water for irrigation and drinking water will be supplied,’’ he said.The water drawn partially from the Kaleshwaram project will be used to fill tanks and reservoirs from the next monsoon. “We have fixed the target to complete construction of the barrages, canals, pump houses as part of the project by the end of next year.’’ 

In addition to the annual budgetary allocation of `25,000 crore, an amount of ` 20,000 crore will be raised from financial institutions. Land acquisition is going apace as the new Act brought in by the state government is benefiting the farmers more. “Work for 365 days a year on three shifts. Draw up a daily schedule and execute the works accordingly. Harish Rao will visit the project site once in 10 days and I once in a month. Officials should monitor the works regularly,” Rao told officials.