The Kaleshwaram irrigation project, one of the two components of the redesigned Pranahita-Chevella project, proposed across the Godavari after the tributaries – Pranahita and Indravati – join, is expected to be a blessing for the people of Telangana by utilising as much water as possible.
After undergoing more changes in its redesigning, the project seeks to create an irrigation potential of 18.2 lakh acres in addition to stabilising another 11.8 lakh acres of existing ayact. Besides, it also contemplates meeting 30 tmc ft drinking water needs of Hyderabad, another 10 tmc ft to villages en route and 16 tmc ft for industrial needs.
According to Irrigation Department officials, the Kaleshwaram project would have three barrages at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla and reservoirs at another 18 places. The three barrages would have a storage capacity of over 28 tmc ft together and the reservoirs would have another 157 tmc ft. However, the government was seriously considering reducing the capacity of Komaravelli Mallannasagar at Tadkapally from the proposed 50 tmc ft to about 20 tmc ft. The Kaleshwaram project requires 4,500 MW power for lifting water in different stages including, 113 meters till Yellampally reservoir. From Yellampally, it would be lifted to Mid Manair and from there to Anantagiri, Imambad and Mallannasagar reservoirs. From Mallannasagar, the water would flow through gravity to Upper Manair and reservoirs in Nizamabad and Adilabad districts. It has been proposed to divide the work into 28 packages in six links, including five packages for the first three barrages.
