The execution of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is very significant for Telangana.
What is Lift irrigation?
When the main source is at the lower level than the supply level, then water cannot be transported by natural flow.
So when water is supplied through some mechanical means, then it is known as lift irrigation.
Pumps are used to lift the water from canals or rivers at lower level to the area at higher level for irrigation purpose.
What is Kaleshwaram project?
In 2007, when Andhra Pradesh was not divided Pranahitha-Chevella Lift Irrigation Scheme taken up to utilise the water of Pranhita tributary of Godavari river.
After the formation of Telangana in 2014, the present government redesigned the project.
The reason they stated for doing it was that the original plan had too many environmental obstacles and had very low water storage provision.
After conducting Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey, the government separated the project into two.
The original component serving the Adilabad area was called the Pranahitha project.
The rest was renamed as Kaleshwaram by redesigning the head works, storage capacity and the canal system.
The Kaleshwaram project has provision for the storage of about 148 tmc ft with plans of utilising 180 tmc ft by lifting at least 2 tmc ft water every day for 90 flood days.
Why it is important?
It has the longest tunnel to carry water in Asia - 81 km between the Yellampally barrage and the Mallannasagar reservoir.
It has the estimated cost of Rs.80,500 crore, the costliest irrigation project to be taken up by any State.
The project is designed to irrigate arounf 7.4 lakh hectares lands.
What are the problems?
The project requires a total of 32,000 hectares.
A section of farmers have been opposing the land acquisition.
Also it needs various clearances and permissions simultaneously from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Central Water Commission.
