Sri Ram Sagar Project · Nizamabad · Nirmal · Telangana
Saraswati Canal – a lifeline for Nizamabad and Nirmal districts
The Saraswati Canal is one of the key canals of the Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP), which is a major irrigation project on the Godavari River. The canal plays a vital role in providing irrigation water to the drought-prone areas of Nizamabad and Nirmal districts.[reference:1]
The canal stretches from the Sri Ram Sagar reservoir to the Kaddam Narayna Reddy Reservoir, covering a total distance of 144 kilometres. It irrigates a total ayacut of 79,000 acres by pumping 10 TMC feet of water from the Yellampalli Barrage.[reference:2]
Route and Districts Covered
Nizamabad District
The canal passes through the following locations in Nizamabad district:
- Sri Ram Sagar Reservoir
- Koutla
- Sofinagar
- Mukthapur
- Narsapur
- Babapur[reference:3]
Nirmal District
The canal continues through Nirmal district, terminating at the Kaddam Narayna Reddy Reservoir:
- Koratikal
- Chandaram
- Danthampalle
- Nagapur
- AdaviSarangapur
- Kaddam Narayna Reddy Reservoir[reference:4]
SRSP Stages
The Saraswati Canal (47 km) irrigates 14,151 hectares (34,967 acres) of ayacut with a head discharge of 42.47 Cumecs (1,500 Cusecs).[reference:5]
The Saraswati Canal from Km 77 to 144, along with the modernization of the Kadam canal from Km 0.00 to Km 77.00, benefits a total ayacut of 79,000 acres.[reference:6]
The canal irrigates 79,000 acres by pumping 10 TMC feet of water from the Yellampalli Barrage, covering from 6.5 km to km 77 of the Kadem canal.[reference:7]
Key Features
- Total Length: 144 km from Sri Ram Sagar reservoir to Kaddam Narayna Reddy Reservoir.[reference:8]
- Stage I Canal: 47 km, irrigating 34,967 acres.[reference:9]
- Stage II Extension: From Km 77 to 144, benefiting 79,000 acres.[reference:10]
- Water Lifting: 10 TMC feet pumped from Yellampalli Barrage.[reference:11]
- Discharge: Stage I head discharge of 42.47 Cumecs (1,500 Cusecs).[reference:12]
- Districts Benefited: Nizamabad and Nirmal.[reference:13]
Location
The Saraswati Canal originates from the Sri Ram Sagar reservoir in Nizamabad district and extends to the Kaddam Narayna Reddy Reservoir in Nirmal district. The canal is a vital irrigation infrastructure project in the Godavari basin.
Sri Ram Sagar Project – origin of the Saraswati Canal.
Legacy – A Lifeline for North Telangana
The Saraswati Canal is a cornerstone of agricultural prosperity in Nizamabad and Nirmal districts. As part of the Sri Ram Sagar Project, it has transformed the region's irrigation landscape, enabling farmers to cultivate multiple crops throughout the year. The canal's extension under Stage II, along with the modernization of the Kadam canal, has significantly expanded the ayacut, bringing water to thousands of acres of farmland.
- Name: Saraswati Canal (SRSP).
- Total Length: 144 km.
- Origin: Sri Ram Sagar Reservoir, Nizamabad.
- Terminus: Kaddam Narayna Reddy Reservoir, Nirmal.
- Stage I: 47 km, irrigating 34,967 acres.
- Stage II: Extension from Km 77 to 144, irrigating 79,000 acres.
- Water Source: 10 TMC pumped from Yellampalli Barrage.
- Districts Benefited: Nizamabad and Nirmal.
- Government of Telangana – Irrigation and Water Resources Department.
- Deccan Chronicle – SRSP water releases and updates.
The Saraswati Canal stands as a testament to Telangana's commitment to water security and agricultural development, bringing the waters of the Godavari to the farmlands of North Telangana.