The Revanth Reddy-led government in Telangana is under fire for allegedly diverting crucial water resources meant for farmers in the Palamuru region to support the development of a pharma cluster in Lagacharla. Farmers are particularly incensed over the diversion of Bhima project water to proposed pharma clusters in Kodangal.
Without securing necessary permissions, the government has already initiated the Narayanapet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme (NKLIS), reportedly designed to divert 7 TMC of water annually from the Bhima project. The first phase of the NKLIS has been split into two packages, with tenders already finalized.
Critics argue that this move prioritizes industrial needs over agriculture, diverting water to Kodangal and impacting farmers in several mandals. Reports indicate that authorities are preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the second phase under political pressure.
The Bhima Phase-1 and Phase-2 schemes were initially planned to irrigate 2 lakh acres of ayacut. After Telangana’s formation, the KCR-led government redesigned the Bhima project, ensuring irrigation for 1.98 lakh acres. However, these benefits were undermined during the Congress regime, with water wastage reported due to poor maintenance of Jurala project crust gates and a crop holiday declared last year.
Farmers accuse irrigation officials of misleading them, claiming that surplus water from canal modernization is being diverted to NKLIS. Comparisons have been drawn with the controversial Pothireddypadu project implemented by the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, which also faced criticism for diverting Krishna river floodwaters.
In the first phase of NKLIS, Rs. 1,134.62 crores will be spent to bring water to the Boothpur reservoir, with an additional Rs. 1,126.23 crores allocated for pumping stations at Ootkuru and Kanukurthi. Despite these massive expenditures, the project’s primary goal seems to favor the industrial sector.
The government plans to develop a pharma village across 1,375 acres in Lagacharla and surrounding areas of Dudyala mandal. Reports suggest that eight major pharma companies, some allegedly linked to influential families, are expected to establish operations in the first phase, with more to follow.
The Pollution Control Board estimates that 10-15 pharma companies will require 3-4 lakh gallons of water daily. To meet this demand, the government has proposed modernizing a pond in Dugyala mandal, increasing its storage capacity to 0.05 TMC to provide water to at least 1,000 acres. Irrigation Department engineers are reportedly aligning NKLIS designs to ensure water availability for the industries by the time they become operational.
Farmers argue that the government is prioritizing corporate interests over their livelihoods. The diversion of water critical for irrigation to industrial use risks jeopardizing agricultural sustainability in the region.