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Telangana drought could be mitigated through Kaleshwaram project utilization

Water management officials in Telangana argue that improved utilization of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme could help alleviate recurring drought conditions across the state.

LSN India · 2 October 2026

Telangana drought could be mitigated through Kaleshwaram project utilization

Telangana water resources authorities have suggested that drought severity in the state could be significantly reduced through more effective deployment of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project, one of the country's largest water management infrastructure initiatives.

Official statements indicate that the massive irrigation scheme, designed to transfer water across multiple districts, remains underutilized in addressing agricultural water shortages during dry periods. Proponents argue that optimized water distribution through the project's network could provide more reliable irrigation to drought-affected regions.

The Kaleshwaram project, which lifts water from the Godavari River across multiple stages, has faced challenges in achieving its full operational capacity since its inception. State authorities suggest that enhanced coordination and management protocols could unlock additional water supply benefits for farming communities.

Drought management remains a critical concern for Telangana's agrarian economy, with officials increasingly examining how existing infrastructure can be better leveraged to mitigate seasonal water stress. The state continues to evaluate comprehensive water management strategies to balance irrigation demands with sustainable resource utilization.