Malkapet Reservoir Project Stalled Due to Unpaid Bills
The Malkapet reservoir, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, is designed to bring water from the Godavari River to dry areas in Konaraopet mandal.
Representational Image.
Construction on the Malkapet reservoir has stopped because the government hasn't paid the contractor Rs.11 crore in overdue bills.
Despite multiple requests from officials, the funds have not been released. Work on the project, which had been moving quickly under the previous BRS government, slowed down and then halted after the new administration took over.
The Malkapet reservoir, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, is designed to bring water from the Godavari River to dry areas in Konaraopet mandal.
The project aims to provide water to 86,150 acres of farmland, create 60,000 acres of new irrigation, and stabilize 26,150 acres of existing farmland.
The total cost of Package-9, which includes the Malkapet reservoir, is Rs.1,000 crore, with the reservoir itself valued at Rs.550 crore.
So far, 80% of the work is done, but the remaining 20% is stalled. Unfinished tasks include the Stage-II Singasamudram pump house and canal work in Konaraopet.
A proposal for Rs.80 crore to acquire land for the canal is awaiting government approval.
The project includes a 40 km canal with a 12.3 km tunnel, a 22 km gravity canal, and a 6 km pipeline.
Water will be transported from the Mid Manair reservoir to Malkapet. A head regulator is also built at Ramappaguttalu to manage water flow.
The delay is frustrating for local farmers and residents who are waiting for the benefits of the new irrigation system.
