Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Telangana Political Tensions Over Irrigation and Retirement Benefits
The Telangana government is working on a big water project called the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) to bring water to dry areas.
The government says they are following the original plan and will use 90 TMC of water.
The opposition party, BRS, says the government is slowing down the project and reducing the water to 45 TMC to please the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.
The government accuses the previous BRS government of not completing the project properly.
Both sides are arguing about who is responsible and what the best way to finish the project is.
Additionally, BRS leader T Harish Rao raised concerns about the lack of retirement benefits for government employees, highlighting that 39 retired employees have died due to mental anguish.
The BJP member criticized BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao for focusing too much on social media and not addressing public issues.
The Telangana government plans to complete the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) with the original 90 TMC water allocation.
BRS alleges that the Congress government is reducing water allocation to 45 TMC and deliberately slowing down the project.
The Congress government accuses the previous BRS government of halting key works and not commencing distributary channels and ayacut canals.
BRS suggests political motives behind the slow progress, claiming the Congress government is trying to please Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The project's cost has escalated from Rs 35,000 crore to Rs 70,000 crore, including land acquisition.
- Who
- Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, BRS leader T Harish Rao, BJP member K Venkataramana Reddy, and other legislative members
- What
- Defending and criticizing the progress and allocation of the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) and addressing issues related to retirement benefits for government employees
- When
- Current situation, with immediate political and administrative actions
- Where
- Telangana, India
- Why
- To address allegations of deviation from the project’s planned design, political motives behind the project's progress, and the plight of retired government employees
- Project
- Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS)
- Water Allocation
- 90 TMC (45 TMC from savings in minor irrigation schemes and 45 TMC from Telangana’s share)
- Initial Cost Estimate
- Rs 35,000 crore
- Current Cost Estimate
- Rs 70,000 crore (including land acquisition)
- Irrigation Potential
- 12.3 lakh acres in drought-prone districts
- BRS Allegations
- Reduction of water allocation to 45 TMC and deliberate slowdown of the project
- Congress Response
- Adhering to the original plan and GO issued by the BRS government
- Pending DAs
- Five Dearness Allowances (DAs) pending for government employees
- Retired Employees
- 39 retired employees died of mental anguish due to lack of government benefits
Sources
Tenant farmers seek reduction in fertiliser prices, higher subsidies
Revanth has pushed Palamuru back into a migration district, alleges KTR
KCR attends assembly session for a brief duration
Revanth Going Slow on Palamuru To Please ‘Old Boss’ Babu: KTR
T’gana govt will complete lift irrigation scheme as per planned design: Minister
Revanth Reddy stalling irrigation project to please ‘former boss’: KTR
No Change In Palamuru Project Scope, BRS Spreading Lies: Uttam
Harish Says Uttam Failed as Irrigation Minister
Amid War Of Words…A handshake between Revanth and KCR
Counter Oppn in same tone & tenor: Revanth
Govt made mega GHMC merger move to mint money, avers KTR
BJP neta takes a jibe at KTR’s obsession with SM platforms
Years of neglect, voices of agony: Harish Rao speaks for retired staff
