Irrigation Projects in Telangana
Harnessing the Godavari and Krishna Rivers – Major, Medium and Lift Irrigation Schemes
Telangana, endowed with two major river systems – the Godavari and the Krishna – has developed an extensive network of irrigation projects over the past century. From ancient Kakatiya-era tanks to modern multi-stage lift irrigation schemes, these projects have transformed the drought-prone uplands into fertile agricultural zones. The Godavari basin, with its abundant flow, hosts several major projects including the Sriram Sagar (Pochampad), Kaleswaram (the world’s largest lift irrigation scheme), and Devadula lift irrigation. The Krishna basin, though less perennial, supports the Nagarjuna Sagar, Jurala, and several lift schemes like Kalwakurthy and Palamuru-Rangareddy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the major and medium irrigation projects in Telangana, their capacities, ayacut (irrigated area), and significance.
The Godavari, India’s second longest river, flows through northern Telangana. Its tributaries – Pranahita, Manair, Kadem, and others – have been harnessed through a series of barrages, reservoirs, and lift schemes. Below are the key projects.
Kaleswaram Lift Irrigation Project (Major)
Located near Kaleshwaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, this is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project. It aims to irrigate 18 lakh acres across seven districts and supply drinking water to Hyderabad. The project comprises three barrages at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla (total storage over 28 tmc ft) and 18 reservoirs (another 157 tmc ft). Requires 4,500 MW power for lifting water up to 113 metres. Water is lifted from Yellampally to Mid Manair, then to Mallannasagar, and then flows by gravity to Upper Manair and other reservoirs.
J. Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme (Major)
A lift scheme near Gangaram, Eturunagaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Second biggest lift scheme in Asia. Irrigates 6.21 lakh acres in drought-prone uplands of Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda and Medak districts.
Sriram Sagar Stage – I (Pochampad) Major Project
Constructed near Pochampadu, Nizamabad district, utilising 140 tmc water. After interstate accord, allocation increased to over 200 tmc. Irrigates 1 million acres (approx. 4,000 km²) through Kakatiya Canal (284 km), Saraswathi Canal (47 km) and Laxmi Canal (3.5 km). Also provides drinking water to Karimnagar and Warangal towns, and supplies to NTPC Ramagundam. Generates 36 MW power (4 units of 9 MW each).
Sriram Sagar Stage – II (Major)
Extension of Kakatiya Canal from Km 284 to 347 and Saraswathi Canal from Km 77 to 144, with modernisation of Kadam canal. Total ayacut: 5,87,000 acres (including 64,023 acres in Bhadradri Kothagudem district).
SRSP Flood Flow Canal
A 130 km long gravity canal from Sriram Sagar to Mid Manair Dam (Manwada, Karimnagar district).
Sripada Yellampalli Lift Irrigation Project (Major)
Located at Yellampalli, Ramagundam mandal, Peddapalli district. Started 28 July 2004. Designed to utilise 63 tmc (phase I) and additional 49.5 tmc (phase II) to uplands of Peddapalli, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Warangal, Medak. Allocates 6 tmc to NTPC Ramagundam. Requires 163 MW power. Supplies drinking water to Hyderabad city.
P.V. Narasimha Rao Kanthanpalli Sujala Sravanthi Project
Barrage at Kanthanapally, Eturunagaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Diverts 50 tmc (out of 429 tmc available) to stabilise 7,50,000 acres under SRSP Stage I & II in Warangal, Khammam, Nalgonda. Also provides drinking water for 8 lakh population and generates 280 MW power.
Alisagar Lift Irrigation Scheme (Major)
Near Kosli, Navipet, Nizamabad district (2005). Stabilises gap ayacut of Nizamsagar project. Irrigates 53,793 acres in Nizamabad district.
Argula Rajaram Gupta Lift Irrigation Scheme (Major)
Near Ummeda, Navipet, Nizamabad district. Irrigates 38,792 acres in Nizamabad district (stabilising Nizamsagar).
Sitarama Major Lift Irrigation Project
Redesigned Dummugudem project in Rollapadu, Tekkulapalli mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Estimated cost ₹7,000 crore. Expected to irrigate 5 lakh acres in the district. Water lifting began in July 2025.
Sadarmat Anicut (Medium)
Constructed across Godavari branch in 1891-92 by engineer J.J. Ottley. Located in Nirmal district. Irrigates over 6,000 acres through Khanapur left flank canal (13 km) and 800 acres through Badankurti right flank canal (3 km).
Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project (Major)
Reservoir across Kadem river (tributary of Godavari) near Kaddam mandal, Nirmal district. Integrated with SRSP via Saraswathi Canal. Irrigates 61,776 acres in Nirmal and Mancherial districts. Left canal 76.8 km, right canal 8 km.
Several medium projects on tributaries of the Godavari serve local irrigation needs, many benefiting tribal areas.
- Kinnerasani Project (Medium): Under construction near Yanmbail, Palvoncha mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Ayacut: 10,000 acres (Palvoncha, Burgampahad mandals).
- Gollavagu Medium Irrigation Project: Under construction near Bheemaram, Jaipur mandal, Mancherial district. Ayacut: 9,500 acres (Jaipur & Chennur mandals).
- Gundlavagu Project (Medium): Across Gundlavagu (minor tributary) near Pragallapally, Wazeedu mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Ayacut: 2,580 acres (2,045 ha) benefiting five tribal villages.
- Laknavaram Lake Project: Near Chalvai, Govindaraopet mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Ayacut: 8,428 acres. Kakatiya-era tank.
- Malluruvagu Project (Medium): Near Narsimhasagar, Mangapet mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Ayacut: 7,504 acres.
- Upper Manair Project (Medium): Across Manair river near Narmal, Gambhiraopet mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district. Ayacut: 13,086 acres (15 villages).
- Mid Manair Project (Major – under construction): Across Manair river at Manwada, Boinpalli mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district. Started 2005. Ayacut: 1.7 lakh acres.
- Lower Manair Project (Major): At Alugunur, Thimmapur mandal, Karimnagar district (1974-85). Gross command: 163,000 hectares (400,000 acres). Balancing reservoir for Kakatiya Canal.
- Boggula Vagu Project (Medium): Across Boggula vagu near Rudraram, Malharrao mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district (1976-87). Ayacut: 5,150 acres (8 villages).
- Ramappa Lake Project: Near Palampet, Venkatapur mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Built during Kakatiya Ganapati Deva (1199-1262). Ayacut: 5,000 acres. Four main distributaries.
- Salivagu Project (Medium): Near Peddakodepaka, Shayampet mandal, Warangal Rural district. Ayacut: 3,046 acres.
- Shanigaram Project (Medium): Across Siddipeta vagu near Shanigaram, Koheda mandal, Siddipet district. Completed 1653 (Kakatiya dynasty), restored 1891. Ayacut: 5,100 acres.
The Pranahita River, a major tributary of Godavari, flows through the northern districts. Several lift and medium projects are under implementation.
- Pranahita Chevella Lift Scheme (Major): Under construction near Thumbadihatti, Kouthala mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. Irrigates 2,00,000 acres in Asifabad district using 44 tmc.
- Sri Komaram Bheem Project (Medium): Under construction at Ada village, Asifabad mandal. Ayacut: 45,000 acres (Asifabad, Wankidi, Kaghaznagar, Sirpur mandals).
- Peddavagu (Jagannadhapur) Medium Project: Under construction near Jagannathpur, Kaghaznagar mandal, Asifabad district. Ayacut: 15,000 acres.
- Neelwai Project (Medium): Under construction near Neelwai, Vemanpally mandal, Mancherial district. Ayacut: 15,000 acres.
- Chelmelavagu (N.T.R. Sagar) Project (Medium): Constructed 2009 near Irkapalli, Tiryani mandal, Asifabad district. Ayacut: 6,000 acres.
- Vattivagu Project (Medium): Near pahadibanda, Asifabad mandal. Ayacut: 24,500 acres (Asifabad and Rebecca mandals).
- P.P. Rao (Yerravagu) Medium Project: Constructed 2004 near Kalwada, Dahegaon mandal, Asifabad district. Ayacut: 11,000 acres (Dahegaon in Asifabad, Vemanpally & Bheemini in Mancherial).
- Lower Penganga Major Project (inter‑state): Joint project with Maharashtra. Headworks near Tadsaoli (Yavatmal). Telangana share: 40,000 acres in Adilabad district via 48.6 km right bank canal (61 villages).
- Chanaka Korata Major Project (proposed): Aimed at 50,000 acres in Adilabad district.
- Shathanala Project (Medium): Across Sathnala river near Kapna, Jainath mandal, Adilabad district. Ayacut: 25,000 acres (Adilabad, Jainath, Bela mandals).
- Mathadivagu Reservoir Project (Medium): Near Waddadi, Tamsi mandal, Adilabad district. Ayacut: 8,500 acres (0.893 tmc).
- Ralivagu Project (Medium): Near Mutkala, Mancherial mandal, Mancherial district. Ayacut: 6,000 acres.
The Krishna River flows through southern Telangana. Due to lower and variable flows, lift schemes are prominent. Key projects include:
- Nagarjuna Sagar Project (Major): Near Nandikonda, Peddavoora mandal, Nalgonda district. Commenced 1955, completed 1969. Ayacut: 2,212,287 acres (left canal command 1,037,387 acres in Nalgonda, Khammam, Krishna). Power generation: 960 MW.
- Alimineti Madhava Reddy Srisailam Left Bank Canal (AMRP) (Major): Started 1983 in Peddavoora mandal, Nalgonda district. Ayacut: 3 lakh acres + drinking water to fluoride‑affected villages.
- Jawahar Nettampadu LIS (Major): Stage I near Upperu, Dharoor mandal, Jogulamba Gadwal district (foreshore of Jurala). Stage II near Marlabeedu. Total ayacut: 2,00,000 acres (Gadwal, Maldakal, Dharur, Itikyala, Ieeja, Waddepally, Manopadu).
- Koilsagar Lift Irrigation Scheme (Major): Lift I at Chintareddy Palli, Narwa mandal, Wanaparthy district. Lift II at Teeleru, Dhanwada mandal, Mahabubnagar district. Ayacut: 50,250 acres (Narva, Chinachintakunta, Dhanwada, Devarakadra, Makthal, Koilkonda, Marikal).
- Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation (Mahatma Gandhi Project) (Major): At Regumanigadda, Yellur, Kollapur mandal, Nagarkurnool district. Ayacut: 3.40 lakh acres + drinking water to 303 villages in Mahabubnagar (19 mandals).
- Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation (Major): At Karvena, Bhoothpur, Mahabubnagar district. Estimated cost ₹35,250 crore. Ayacut: 10 lakh acres (Mahabubnagar, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda) + drinking & industrial water for Hyderabad. Phase I: 70 tmc from Jurala to Koil Konda (7 lakh acres in Mahabubnagar, 2.75 lakh acres in Ranga Reddy, 30,000 acres in Nalgonda).
- Priyadarshini Jurala Major Project: Near Revulapally, Dharur mandal, Jogulamba Gadwal district. Ayacut: 102,200 acres (right main canal: Dharur, Gadwal, Itikyala, Manopadu; left main canal: Atmakur, Kotakota, Pebbair, Weepangandla in Wanaparthy, and Pentlavelly, Pangal in Nagarkurnool).
- Rajiv Bhima LIS (Major): Lift I foreshore of Jurala, Lift II at Ramanpad, Atmakur mandal, Wanaparthy district. Ayacut: 2,07,022 acres (Makthal in Mahabubnagar; Atmakur, Wanaparthy in Wanaparthy; Kollapur in Nagarkurnool).
Medium Projects on Krishna Tributaries
- Sarala Sagar (Medium): Approved 1947, completed 1959. Kothakota mandal, Wanaparthy district.
- Bayyaram Tank (Kakatiya era): Bayyaram mandal, Mahabubabad district. Ayacut developed: 7,200 acres (tribal area).
- Pakhal Lake Project: Near Ashoknagar, Khanapur mandal, Mahabubabad district. Kakatiya-era tank. Ayacut: 18,193 acres.
- Lankasagar Project (1968): Across Kattaleru river near Adavimallela, Penubally mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Ayacut: 7,353 acres (Penubally, Vemsoor).
- Wyra Medium Project (1930): Across Wyra river, Wyra mandal, Khammam district. Ayacut: 17,390 acres (Wyra, Bonakalu, Thallada, Gumapanagudem).
- Jutepallivagu Medium Project (1966): Tandur, Vikarabad district.
- Kotepally Vagu Project (Medium): Kotepally mandal, Vikarabad district. Ayacut: 9,200 acres.
- Dindi Project (Medium): Gundlapally (Dindi) mandal, Nalgonda district (1940-43). Ayacut: 12,835 acres.
- Asifnahar Project (Medium): Nemalikavla, Voligonda mandal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. Ayacut: 15,245 acres.
- Musi Project (Medium): Near Bopparam, Kethepally, Nalgonda district. Ayacut: 30,183 acres + drinking water to Suryapet town.
- Palair Project (Medium, 1928): Across Palair river, Kusumanchi mandal, Khammam district. Ayacut: 19,694 acres. Now part of Nagarjuna Sagar left canal system as balancing reservoir.
- Koilsagar Medium Project (1954): Koilsagar, Devarakadra mandal, Mahabubnagar district. Ayacut: 12,000 acres.
- Rajoli Banda Diversion Scheme (RDS): Inter‑state (Karnataka-Telangana). Anicut started 1946, completed 1958. 143 km long RDS canal. Telangana benefits: 75 villages in Jogulamba Gadwal district (Alampur and Gadwal taluks).
- Bhakta Ramadasu Major Lift Scheme (proposed): Tirumalayapalem, Khammam district. Aimed at 59,000 acres in Paleru.
Telangana has a rich heritage of ancient irrigation systems, many built by the Kakatiya dynasty (11th–13th centuries). These tanks continue to serve ayacut today:
- Ramappa Lake (5,000 acres) – Venkatapur mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally.
- Pakhal Lake (18,193 acres) – Khanapur mandal, Mahabubabad.
- Laknavaram Lake (8,428 acres) – Govindaraopet mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally.
- Shanigaram Tank (5,100 acres) – Koheda mandal, Siddipet.
- Bayyaram Tank (7,200 acres) – Bayyaram mandal, Mahabubabad.
- Ghanpur Anicut (21,625 acres) – on Manjeera river, Medak district (also Kakatiya era, restored 1905).
| Project Name | River Basin | Type | Ayacut (Acres) | Districts Benefited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaleswaram LIS | Godavari (Pranahita) | Major Lift | 18,00,000 | 7 districts |
| J. Chokka Rao Devadula LIS | Godavari | Major Lift | 6,21,000 | Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda, Medak |
| Sriram Sagar Stage I (Pochampad) | Godavari | Major Reservoir | 10,00,000 | Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Adilabad |
| Sriram Sagar Stage II | Godavari | Major Extension | 5,87,000 | Bhadradri Kothagudem, etc. |
| P.V. Narasimha Rao Kanthanpalli | Godavari | Barrage + Lift | 7,50,000 | Warangal, Khammam, Nalgonda |
| Sripada Yellampalli LIS | Godavari | Major Lift | Phase I + II (63+49.5 tmc) | Peddapalli, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Warangal, Medak |
| Sitarama (Dummugudem) LIS | Godavari | Major Lift | 5,00,000 | Bhadradri Kothagudem |
| Kaddam Narayana Reddy | Godavari (Kadem) | Major Reservoir | 61,776 | Nirmal, Mancherial |
| Nagarjuna Sagar | Krishna | Major Dam | 22,12,287 | Nalgonda, Khammam, Krishna (AP) |
| AMRP (Srisailam Left Bank) | Krishna | Major Canal | 3,00,000 | Nalgonda, etc. |
| Jawahar Nettampadu LIS | Krishna | Major Lift | 2,00,000 | Jogulamba Gadwal |
| Kalwakurthy (Mahatma Gandhi) LIS | Krishna | Major Lift | 3,40,000 | Mahabubnagar (19 mandals) |
| Palamuru Rangareddy LIS | Krishna | Major Lift | 10,00,000 | Mahabubnagar, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda |
| Priyadarshini Jurala | Krishna | Major Dam | 1,02,200 | Jogulamba Gadwal, Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool |
| Rajiv Bhima LIS | Krishna (Bhima) | Major Lift | 2,07,022 | Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool |
Note: Ayacut figures are as per project designs; actual irrigated area may vary.
Many irrigation projects in Telangana also generate hydroelectric power and supply drinking water. Key examples:
- Sriram Sagar: 36 MW (4 units of 9 MW).
- Nagarjuna Sagar: 960 MW.
- P.V. Narasimha Rao Kanthanpalli: 280 MW.
- Sripada Yellampalli: supplies drinking water to Hyderabad city.
- Kaleswaram: requires 4,500 MW for lifting – one of the highest power demands for any irrigation project (currently non‑operational).
Several major irrigation projects are at various stages of construction. Below is the current status, including physical progress and projected completion timelines based on government announcements.
J. Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme (JCRDLIS)
Started: 2005 (Phase I) | Expected completion: Within 2 years (by mid‑2028)
Progress: Irrigates 5.57 lakh acres (designed). As of October 2025, irrigation potential created for 3.17 lakh acres. 39 of 46 tanks operational; 18 of 21 pump houses functioning. Expenditure ₹14,270 crore against revised cost ₹18,500 crore. Remaining works (₹4,230 crore) include land acquisition, lining, and mechanical works.
Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project (SRLIP)
Started: 2018 (revised DPR) | Expected completion: Rabi 2026 (by March 2027)
Progress: Water lifting began July 2025. DPR cleared by TAC of Jal Shakti ministry in April 2025. Cost ₹19,955 crore; physical progress 57% as of January 2025 (expenditure ₹11,320 crore). Aims to irrigate 7 lakh acres in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Mahabubabad.
Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS)
Started: 2018 (Phase I inaugurated September 2023) | Expected completion: March 2027 (30 months from December 2024)
Progress: Phase I (drinking water) operational. Phase II awaits CWC technical clearances. Estimated cost escalated to ₹65,506 crore; ₹33,201 crore still required. Government aims to complete with original 90 TMC allocation.
Pranahita-Chevella Lift Irrigation Scheme
Started: Original plan 2008, stalled for a decade; works resumed 2025 | Expected completion: Not announced (under redesign)
Progress: ₹23 crore sanctioned for resumption. Being merged with Kaleswaram infrastructure to reduce costs. Aims to irrigate 1 lakh acres in Yellareddy and supply drinking water to Hyderabad.
Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel
Started: 2005 | Expected completion: January 2028
Progress: 44 km tunnel; 13.94 km excavated from inlet, 20.4 km from outlet – about 9.8 km remaining. Work resumed after roof collapse (Feb 2025). Target 175 metres per month.
Jawahar Nettempadu Lift Irrigation Project
Started: 2010 (revised) | Expected completion: Not specified (advanced stage)
Progress: ₹2,739 crore sanctioned July 2025 under G.O.Rt.No.149. Link canal to Chinnonipalle Reservoir and new works will create 32,000 acres in Itikyala, Manopad, Vaddepalli, Aiza.
Koilsagar, Kalwakurthy, Bhima Projects (Package)
Started: Various (Koilsagar Lift II – 2015) | Expected completion: March 2027
Progress: Government has affirmed completion of Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, Bhima, and Koilsagar projects by March 2027.
Dindi Lift Irrigation Project
Started: 2019 | Expected completion: Not announced (land acquisition underway)
Progress: Will irrigate 3.61 lakh acres. Land acquisition for Dindi, along with Palamuru, Kalwakurthy, Bheema, Koilsagar, and Nettempadu, to be completed by December 2025.
Mid Manair Project (Major)
Started: 2005 | Expected completion: Partially complete; ongoing balancing reservoir works
Progress: Ayacut 1.7 lakh acres. Part of Kaleswaram network; currently functional but awaiting full canal network completion.
Other Ongoing Medium Projects (Godavari Basin)
- Kinnerasani (Bhadradri Kothagudem): Started 2012 – completion delayed; ayacut 10,000 acres.
- Gollavagu (Mancherial): Started 2010 – nearing completion; ayacut 9,500 acres.
- Neelwai (Mancherial): Started 2015 – under construction; ayacut 15,000 acres.
- Peddavagu (Jagannadhapur) (Asifabad): Started 2018 – under construction; ayacut 15,000 acres.
Despite the impressive infrastructure, several challenges remain:
- Inter‑state water disputes: Godavari and Krishna water sharing with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh remains contentious.
- Power costs: Lift schemes require enormous electricity, leading to high operational expenses. Kaleswaram alone requires 4,500 MW when operational.
- Command area development: Actual irrigation often falls short of designed ayacut due to delays in canal network completion.
- Environmental concerns: Submergence, displacement of tribal communities, and forest clearance issues affect several projects.
- Structural failures: The Kaleswaram dam damage has raised serious questions about quality control and long‑term sustainability of mega‑projects.
The Telangana government continues to prioritise completion of pending projects (Palamuru, Sitarama, Devadula, SLBC tunnel) and modernisation of existing canals. Micro‑irrigation (drip/sprinkler) is being promoted to improve water use efficiency.
Sources & Further Reading
- Telangana Irrigation & Command Area Development Department – Official project profiles.
- Central Water Commission – Godavari & Krishna basin reports.
- Water Resources Information System (WRIS) – India.
- Telangana State Portal – Irrigation Projects.
- “Irrigation Projects in Telangana” – Telangana360.com (original source of data).
- Kaleswaram Project – NDSA reports, CBI probe updates, and government rehabilitation plans (2025-2026).
- Government of India, Ministry of Jal Shakti – Inter‑state river water sharing awards.
- Press releases from Telangana Irrigation Department (2024-2026).
For informational purposes. All ayacut, tmc, and cost figures are based on government publications and project reports. Updates may occur as projects progress. Last updated: June 2026.
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