Telangana aims to complete the Lendi project by 2026, benefiting over 66,000 acres in Telangana and Maharashtra. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy shares project updates.
Telangana Accelerates Lendi Project Completion by 2026: Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy
Telangana Prioritizes Lendi Project Completion
The Telangana state government has intensified its efforts to complete the Lendi irrigation project, a significant initiative aimed at boosting agricultural irrigation in Telangana and Maharashtra. On January 23, 2025, Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that the government is committed to completing the project by the end of 2026.
This project, which has been under development since 1984, promises to irrigate thousands of acres in both states, marking a milestone in regional cooperation and agricultural growth.
Lendi Project Overview
A Historic Initiative
The Lendi project is an inter-state irrigation initiative located in Mukhed taluka, Nanded district of Maharashtra. Launched in 1984 with an estimated budget of ₹2,183.88 crores, the project has faced several delays over the decades due to funding issues, displacement concerns, and administrative hurdles.
Once completed, the project is expected to bring significant agricultural benefits:
- Telangana: 38,573.15 acres of land will come under irrigation.
- Maharashtra: 27,710.397 acres will be irrigated.
Current Progress and Budget
Status of Construction
According to Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, substantial progress has been made on key aspects of the project:
- Earth Dam: 70% complete.
- Spillway: 80% complete.
- Canal Construction: Ongoing, with proposals for underground water pipelines also in place.
Funds Spent So Far
- Out of the total project cost of ₹2,183.88 crores, approximately ₹1,040.87 crores have been spent to date.
- The remaining funds will be allocated in phases to ensure timely completion by 2026.
Challenges Faced by the Project
The Lendi project has faced significant obstacles over the years, leading to its delay:
1. Displacement Concerns
Work on the project was halted in 2011 due to objections from displaced persons affected by land acquisition.
- Efforts are now being made to address these concerns through compensation and rehabilitation initiatives.
2. Administrative and Funding Delays
The inter-state nature of the project has required constant coordination between Telangana and Maharashtra, resulting in prolonged timelines.
3. Environmental and Technical Issues
Riverbed excavation and canal construction have presented environmental and technical challenges, which the government is working to resolve.
Benefits of the Lendi Project
The completion of the Lendi project will have a transformative impact on agriculture in both Telangana and Maharashtra. Key benefits include:
1. Enhanced Irrigation
The project will provide much-needed irrigation to over 66,000 acres of agricultural land, boosting crop yields and supporting farmers in the region.
2. Improved Water Management
The inclusion of underground pipelines will ensure efficient water distribution, minimizing wastage and addressing water scarcity issues in drought-prone areas.
3. Strengthened Regional Cooperation
The joint efforts between Telangana and Maharashtra demonstrate a model of inter-state collaboration, paving the way for future cooperative projects.
Government Commitment and Review Meeting
On January 23, 2025, a high-level review meeting was held at the Telangana State Secretariat, attended by Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and representatives from Maharashtra, including:
- Nanded MP Ravindra Chavan
- Former MLA Hanumant Rao Patil
- Suresh Panditwar
- Subhash Bad
- Wakidishwar
- Dinesh Awaz
- Sandeep Patil
Focus of the Meeting
The meeting emphasized the following priorities:
- Expediting Construction: Ensuring the timely completion of remaining work on the dam, spillway, and canals.
- Resolving Objections: Addressing concerns from displaced persons to resume halted work.
- Coordinated Efforts: Strengthening collaboration between Telangana and Maharashtra to overcome administrative challenges.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that the project is on track for completion by 2026, with both states benefiting equally from the irrigation potential.
Also read: Telangana Govt Introduces New Procedure for Post-Metric Scholarships
The Road Ahead: Completing the Lendi Project
With renewed focus and cooperation between Telangana and Maharashtra, the Lendi project is finally on course to meet its long-awaited completion. As the governments address the remaining challenges, farmers in both states can look forward to a future of improved irrigation, higher agricultural productivity, and economic growth.
The successful execution of the Lendi project will stand as a testament to the power of inter-state collaboration and effective governance.
FAQs
1. What is the Lendi project?
The Lendi project is an inter-state irrigation initiative between Telangana and Maharashtra, aimed at irrigating over 66,000 acres of agricultural land in the two states.
2. When was the Lendi project started?
The project was initiated in 1984 with an estimated budget of ₹2,183.88 crores.
3. What is the current status of the project?
As of January 2025, the earth dam is 70% complete, the spillway is 80% complete, and canal construction is ongoing.
4. When is the Lendi project expected to be completed?
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, as per Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.
5. What are the key benefits of the project?
The project will irrigate 38,573.15 acres in Telangana and 27,710.397 acres in Maharashtra, improve water management, and boost agricultural productivity in the region.