The primary purpose of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project is to drought-proof the state of Telangana by utilizing the flood waters of the Godavari River. Currently under construction, this multi-purpose irrigation initiative spans across the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram and Bhoopalpally regions of Telangana.
The project kicks off at the meeting point of the Pranahita River and the Godavari River. It’s worth noting that the Pranahita River is a confluence of various small tributaries, including the Wardha, Penganga, and Wainganga Rivers.
A Glance at the Godavari River
The Godavari is the second longest river in India after the Ganga, with its source in Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra. Spanning a length of 1,465 kilometers, it flows eastward, draining into several states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Karnataka. Eventually, its extensive network of tributaries culminates into the Bay of Bengal.
Notably, the major tributaries of the Godavari are grouped as left bank tributaries (the Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari rivers) and right bank tributaries (the Pravara, Manjira, Manair).
Utilization of Godavari Waters
The revolutionary scheme plans to employ reverse pumping and storage techniques to tap waters of the Godavari. This approach will support agriculture across over 38 lakh acres, contribute towards rejuvenation of numerous tanks, offer water for industrial use, and supply potable water to Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
To facilitate this, a series of storage tanks and an intricate network of pipelines will be created. The construction of barrages at Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla is underway, from where the water will be relocated to fill Yellampalli and Sriram Sagar Projects.
Mission Kakatiya and Mission Bhagiratha
The Kaleshwaram project also aims to back the Mission Kakatiya and Mission Bhagiratha schemes. These governmental initiatives aim to supply drinking water to numerous villages and improve the capacity of tanks across the state.
Mission Kakatiya was launched as a flagship programme by the Government of Telangana with the primary aim of rejuvenating water tanks and other water storage structures. This is achieved in order to provide aid to the small and marginal farmers across the state.
Quick Facts About the Project
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Purpose of the Project | To mitigate drought issues in Telangana through floodwater management of the Godavari River. |
| Total Length of Godavari River | 1,465 kilometers. |
| Total Agricultural Land to be Benefitted | Over 38 lakh acres. |
| Cities to Receive Drinking Water Supply Through this Project | Hyderabad and Secunderabad. |
Mission Bhagiratha
Meanwhile, Mission Bhagiratha is a dedicated project aiming to provide safe drinking water for every village and city household in Telangana. It aspires to provide piped water to 2.32 crore people in 20 lakh urban households, and 60 lakhs in rural areas of the state. This ambitious project will supply clean drinking water to all households in the state, sourced from the Godavari and Krishna Rivers.
