Both demonetisation and problems in land acquisition hitting speedy completion of irrigation projects in Telangana. Due to demonetisation, delaying payment to contractors and payment of compensation towards land acquisition, thereby resulting delay in projects completion.

According to official sources, the dues to contractors of irrigation projects had already crossed Rs 3,000 crore. Irrigation Minister T Harsih Rao has instructed the department officials to utilise the interest generated by RRR funds which are lying with the district Collectors to take up emergency repair works which should be completed on a war-footing.

Meanwhile, delay in land acquisition has already resulting in the head works pertaining to Kaleshwaram Project at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla Barrage sites. Out of over 2,500 acres needed for these three barrages, contractors have been given possession of about 550 acres only. Even among these lands, actual registration was taken place for 300 acres.

With regard to Palamuru-Ranga Reddy project, the Government had acquired only about 14,000 acres land, as against the requirement of 30,000 acres. It is also facing problem with regard to environmental clearance towards the project works in the reserved forest area, with a local Congress leader filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal alleging.

Besides, Mallanna Sagar project was struck in legal disputes. Now, the government is hopeful that the hurdles in land acquisition would be cleared soon with the passage of bill amending the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, by both Legislative Assembly and Council, last week.

Now the government is making moves to send the bill to the Centre as it requires assent by the President. Already Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao himself taken this issue with the Centre stressing the need for speedy completion of irrigation projects.