'Complete Palamur projects by next kharif'.

Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao has directed the officials concerned to take steps to complete work on the ongoing projects in the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district for providing water to eight lakh acres by next kharif.

Mr. Harish Rao who reviewed the progress of ongoing works along with another Minister C. Lakshma Reddy wanted the officials to complete land acquisition and other works so that the projects could be completed as scheduled.

The Government was keen on providing water to at least 3 lakh acres under Kalwakurthy, 2 lakh acres each under Bhima and Nettempadu and another 50,000 acres under Koilsagar by next kharif.

The Minister recalled his assurance to the Legislative Assembly on the completion of works on the four major projects that were pending for long.

With the commencement of monsoon season, steps should be initiated to fill the tanks and other water bodies in the course of the projects besides taking steps to complete the project maintenance works on schedule.

When the officials brought to his notice that shortage of sand was delaying the project work, Mr. Harish Rao spoke to senior officials of the Revenue department directing them to take steps to ensure availability of sand for the projects.

He also cautioned the agencies entrusted with the project work against delays failing which the department would initiate action under Section 60C, according to an official release.

THE HINDU