BJP Leader Advocates Cost-Effective Watershed Strategy Over Costly Irrigation Scheme

Senior BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy recommended to Telangana CM, A Revanth Reddy, to abandon the costly Narayanpet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation scheme in favor of the economical 'Four Water concept' of Watershed Development, a plan championed by the late engineer T Hanumantha Rao, costing just Rs 150 crore.

Senior BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy has urged Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to reconsider the Narayanpet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation project. The scheme is estimated to cost between Rs 6,000 to 8,000 crore, whereas the alternative 'Four Water concept' is projected at a much lower Rs 150 crore.

In his appeal, Shashidhar Reddy highlighted that the 'Four Water concept' was pioneered by the late engineering expert T Hanumantha Rao. This approach reportedly costs only Rs 15,000 per acre, a fraction of the Rs 6-8 lakh per acre under the proposed irrigation scheme.

Implemented initially in Telangana in 2001-02, the 'Four Water concept' has shown promising results, allowing for the irrigation of three crops a year with minimal operational expenses. Reddy argues that this method utilizes rainwater, surface water, and groundwater effectively, posing a more sustainable solution.

(With inputs from agencies.)