Growing concerns are being raised over delays in the desiltation and capacity restoration works at the Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project, one of the key irrigation reservoirs serving parts of Nirmal district. With the monsoon season now active, farmers, local residents, and public representatives have expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work, warning that continued delays could affect both irrigation efficiency and flood management.
According to critics, years of silt accumulation have significantly reduced the reservoir’s effective water storage capacity. They argue that unless large-scale desiltation is completed, the project may be unable to store adequate quantities of rainwater during the monsoon, limiting its benefits to farmers dependent on the irrigation network.
Ayacut farmers have emphasized that restoring the reservoir’s original storage capacity is essential for ensuring a reliable water supply during future agricultural seasons. They fear that reduced storage could negatively impact irrigation planning and agricultural productivity across command areas served by the project.
Concerns have also been raised regarding flood management. Local leaders warn that excessive siltation may complicate reservoir operations during periods of heavy inflows, potentially increasing pressure on dam authorities to release water rapidly. Such sudden discharges, they argue, could create risks for villages located downstream.
Residents have called on the government and irrigation authorities to accelerate pending works and implement a comprehensive plan for reservoir maintenance. Officials are expected to review the progress of ongoing activities and assess additional measures needed to improve storage efficiency and operational safety.
The issue has become a significant topic of discussion among farming communities as the region enters a crucial monsoon period that will determine water availability for the coming seasons.