Hyderabad: The Telangana government has intensified operations under the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme by deploying nine pumping units to lift Godavari river water for filling 22 reservoirs across multiple districts. The move comes amid below-normal monsoon rainfall and is aimed at strengthening irrigation supplies and securing drinking water resources during the ongoing agricultural season.
According to the state government, the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme will operate the pumping units continuously to maximise water transfer from the Godavari River into reservoirs serving several districts. Officials said the decision has been taken to address emerging water shortages caused by weak monsoon conditions while ensuring that irrigation and drinking water requirements are prioritised. The government has instructed irrigation engineers to maintain pumping operations at full capacity, with technical assessments guiding reservoir management and water allocation decisions. Officials stated that the immediate objective is to improve water availability for farming communities while maintaining adequate reserves for domestic consumption. The Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme is one of Telangana’s major lift irrigation projects, designed to transport river water to elevated regions that are otherwise dependent on erratic rainfall. Once fully completed, the project is expected to expand irrigation coverage across northern Telangana while strengthening long-term water security for both agriculture and rural settlements.
The state administration also reiterated its commitment to completing pending components of the project, including land acquisition, statutory approvals and remaining construction works, by the targeted completion schedule announced for late 2027. Authorities say the completed scheme is expected to support irrigation over a substantial command area while improving the reliability of drinking water infrastructure. The announcement comes amid renewed political debate over the utilisation of available Godavari water and the pace of project implementation. Government representatives defended the current operational strategy, stating that all pumping decisions are based on technical requirements and seasonal water availability rather than political considerations. They also responded to criticism from opposition leaders regarding irrigation management, while raising separate questions over decisions linked to previous infrastructure projects. Water resource specialists note that efficient operation of large lift irrigation systems becomes particularly important during years of rainfall deficit. They emphasise that reservoir management, energy availability and coordinated water distribution are essential to ensuring that stored water benefits both agriculture and drinking water supply without compromising long-term sustainability.
As Telangana continues facing increasing climate variability, experts argue that major irrigation projects must be supported by improved watershed management, groundwater recharge and efficient irrigation practices. Integrating large-scale infrastructure with sustainable water management strategies, they say, will be critical to strengthening resilience against future drought conditions while supporting rural livelihoods.
