Projects to Provide Irrigation Water to 16 Lakh Acres in Telangana, Says Chief Minister
CityLightBuzz: New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that the State government will complete the Pranahita-Chevella, SLBC and Kalwakurthi lift irrigation projects, which he described as the aspirations of former united Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and dedicate them to the people of Telangana.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while participating in the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026 presentation ceremony organised by the Dr. YSR–Dr. KVP Foundation at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The 2026 award was presented to the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for its contribution to agriculture, food security, sustainable development and rural livelihoods. The award carries a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
Addressing the gathering, Revanth Reddy said the three irrigation projects would help provide water to around 16 lakh acres across Telangana. He said completing YSR’s unfinished aspirations would be a collective responsibility.
Recalling YSR’s Praja Prasthanam
The Chief Minister recalled Dr. YSR’s 2003 Praja Prasthanam Padayatra, undertaken during the summer to understand the problems faced by farmers and the poor.
He said YSR had taken a strong decision to provide free electricity to farmers, and recalled that after assuming office, YSR signed the file relating to free power for agriculture as one of his first major decisions.
Revanth Reddy also highlighted YSR’s initiatives concerning farmers, including the waiver of electricity dues and withdrawal of cases filed against farmers, describing him as a leader who prioritised the welfare and dignity of the farming community.
MSSRF Honoured With YSR Award-2026
The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation was selected for the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026 in recognition of its pioneering contribution to Indian agriculture, food security, sustainable development and rural livelihoods.
The award was received on behalf of MSSRF by its Chairperson Dr. Soumya Swaminathan. The recognition also honours the legacy of agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, whose scientific leadership played a historic role in India’s Green Revolution and food self-reliance.
Focus on Food Security
Revanth Reddy recalled the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in introducing the Public Distribution System (PDS) with a focus on food security for the rural poor.He said Telangana is currently providing 6 kg of fine rice per person free of cost to around 3.40 crore people, and linked the programme to the food-security framework established through the PDS.
The event was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Tummala Nageswara Rao and G. Vivek Venkataswamy, MP Jairam Ramesh, MLC Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud, KVP Ramachandra Rao and other public representatives
Pranahita-Chevella project to be completed.
SLBC project to be completed.
Kalwakurthi lift irrigation project to be completed.
Projects aimed at benefiting around 16 lakh acres.
MSSRF receives Dr. YSR Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026.
Award carries ₹25 lakh cash prize.
Focus on agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods
