The going is likely to get tough for the district administration in restoring tanks under Mission Kakatiya in Medak district if the officials were to be believed.
It was estimated that nearly 60 tanks have encroachments at Full Tank Level (FTL) and it would be difficult to remove them. It was stated that they are more at Ramachandrapuram, Patancheru and Sangareddy areas.
For instance construction took place at Saki Tank located at Patanacheru for which Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao promised to sanction funds and even beautify the tank. Some constructions took place at FTL level and it was alleged that some ruling party leaders were behind that. The revenue department officials registered a case in this regard and one person was reportedly arrested based on the case filed by Revenue Department.
Yerrakunta in the district headquarters is facing similar problem and this was admitted by the officials in the Irrigation Department. “These encroachments took place in the past and the officials in the revenue department and the political leaders irrespective of parties are well aware about. Their silence in the past to act upon has been creating more problems now and it would be very difficult to get them vacated,” said an official on condition of anonymity. At some places, clearing the feeder channels will be a herculean task as some constructions reportedly took place.
As many as 7,972 tanks have been identified in the district out of which 1,939 would be taken up for restoration. While 582 tanks can irrigate more than 100 acres, about 5,300 tanks can irrigate less than 100 acres. As many as 730 percolation tanks, 120 anicuts, about 600 private kuntas were also identified in the district.
Survey was completed for about 1,470 tanks, estimations were completed for 1,200 tanks, administrative sanction was accorded for 492 tanks and funds have also been sanctioned.
“We are ready to take up works and get them completed. They will begin once the programme is formally launched by Union Minister Uma Bharati,” said S. Surendra, Superintendent Engineer, Irrigation.
