Fast-Track Irrigation O&M Ahead of Kharif: Minister Nimmala

State Water Resources Minister Dr. Nimmala Ramanaidu has instructed officials to expedite maintenance and repair (O&M) works of irrigation projects and complete them on a priority basis. Reviewing the progress through a video conference with senior irrigation officials from his camp office on Tuesday, he set May 15 as the deadline to finish all works before the commencement of the Kharif season.

He cautioned that even projects built with huge public investments would lose their purpose if routine maintenance is ignored. Without timely upkeep, he said, the benefits of such large-scale infrastructure would be wasted .

The minister strongly criticised the previous YSRCP government, alleging that the irrigation sector was neglected during its tenure. Despite heavy spending on project construction, basic maintenance activities like desilting canals and servicing gates and shutters were overlooked, leading to the deterioration of infrastructure. He noted that the consequences of this neglect are now being borne by farmers , and assured that the present government is taking steps to restore the systems.

Emphasising the government’s commitment, Ramanaidu said the previous administration failed to allocate even ₹200 crore for maintenance over five years. In contrast, the current coalition government has sanctioned and spent ₹878 crore within its first two years. He directed officials to complete all critical works with quality and ensure seamless water supply , aiming to bring the irrigation systems back to normal by the 2026 Kharif season.

The minister also highlighted efforts to improve soil fertility , stating that farmers are being allowed to transport desilted soil from tanks to their fields at a nominal cost of ₹1 per cubic metre. He urged farmers to take advantage of this initiative and reiterated that the government is focused on strengthening accountability in the irrigation sector while ensuring adequate water supply for agriculture.