By: V V Balakrishna
The state government is all set to invite tenders for three barrages to be constructed as part of the Kaleshwaram Lift irrigation project, with an estimated cost of `13,594 crore.
Tenders will also be invited for `7,451 crore for Integrated Dummugudem Lift Irrigation Scheme to irrigate 5 lakh acres in Khammam district.
“Everything including tender papers are ready. The government will invite tenders very soon,” official sources in the irrigation department told Express on Friday.
Three barrages that are coming up as part of Kaleshwaram LIS are Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla.
According to sources, the Maharashtra government too gave its nod to invite tenders to Annaram and Sundilla and the agreement for Medigadda will be signed between Maharashtra and Telangana governments this week. “We are also inviting tenders for Medigadda. We are 100 per cent sure that the Maharashtra government will sign agreement for Medigadda barrage.
The state government proposed Medigadda barrage with a height of 103 metres. Even if the Maharashtra objected for 103 metres height, then the State is willing to put crest gates at a height of 101 metres. At 103 metres height, it is estimated that 13,074 hectares of land will submerge under backwaters both in TS and Maharashtra states.
Tummadi Hatti place to change?: Meanwhile, official sources said the government has asked for a fresh and detailed project report for Tummadi Hatti barrage in the wake of the state government reducing the height of the barrage from 152 metres to 148 metres as requested by the Maharashtra government.
Source: The New Indian Express