Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Four Waters Concept Advocated Over Big Irrigation Projects
The Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Trust is suggesting that India should focus on a method called the Four Waters Concept instead of building big, expensive dams and irrigation projects.
This concept, developed by a late engineer, is much cheaper and can help farmers grow three crops a year by improving water availability.
The trust says that big projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project are not as efficient and cost much more money.
They believe that using the Four Waters Concept can make India's water and agriculture more secure without causing environmental damage or displacing people.
The trust is continuing to support this idea to help create a sustainable and drought-resistant future for India.
The Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Trust advocates for the Four Waters Concept over large irrigation projects.
The Four Waters Concept is a low-cost, scalable model that enhances water availability and supports three crops a year.
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, costing Rs 1 lakh crore, supports only one crop per year compared to the Four Waters Concept's three crops.
The National River Linking Project's 30 proposed river links cost Rs 15 lakh crore and irrigate one crop per year on 4.5 crore acres.
The Four Waters Concept could cover the same area for three crops a year at less than half the cost, avoiding environmental damage and social displacement.
- Who
- Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Trust, Marri Shashidhar Reddy
- What
- Advocacy for Four Waters Concept over large irrigation projects
- When
- On the eve of the 29th death anniversary of Dr. Channa Reddy
- Where
- Hyderabad
- Why
- To promote sustainable and cost-effective water management
- Concept
- Four Waters Concept
- Proponent
- Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Trust
- Cost Comparison
- Four Waters Concept: Rs 5,400 crore vs. Kaleshwaram Project: Rs 1 lakh crore
- Irrigation Potential
- Three crops per year with Four Waters Concept
- National River Linking Project Cost
- Rs 15 lakh crore
- Four Waters Concept Cost for Same Area
- Rs 67,000 crore
- Anniversary
- 29th death anniversary of Dr. Channa Reddy
