Siddipet: Irrigation officials in Siddipet have initiated water pumping into the Ranganayaka Sagar reservoir, a day after former minister T. Harish Rao expressed concern over the government’s delay in commencing lift operations.
According to officials, pumping was started on Monday with one motor, marking the first inflow of the current season. At the time operations began, the reservoir was holding nearly 1 TMCft of water against its designed full capacity of 3 TMCft. The initiation is expected to bring some relief, though farmers and local representatives believe that large-scale pumping is essential to safeguard agricultural activity in the district.
Mr. Rao, who has consistently raised issues related to irrigation projects in the region, had warned that prolonged delays in lifting water to major reservoirs could severely impact crop cultivation. He urged the administration to operate all pumping stations simultaneously to ensure that Ranganayaka Sagar, along with other linked reservoirs, is filled at the earliest.
Agricultural activity across Siddipet has already taken a hit this year, with a notable decline in the cultivated area due to water shortages. Farmers, who largely depend on timely irrigation support for paddy and other crops, have voiced apprehensions that further delays could worsen the situation.
While the initiation of pumping marks a positive step, stakeholders insist that the government must scale up operations without further delay. Ensuring adequate water supply to reservoirs such as Ranganayaka Sagar is seen as vital for stabilizing farm activity, protecting livelihoods, and sustaining the district’s agrarian economy.