Minor and major irrigation departments merger after Telangana formation proved disastrous; restructure MI sector: experts’ panel

The expert panel noted that 90% to 95% of farmers under minor irrigation sources in Telangana were not getting water for irrigation from the sources and were mostly depending on borewells for farming. The image is used for representative purposes only. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT HYDERABADA committee of experts constituted by the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission to advise the government on restructuring the minor irrigation (MI) sector in the State, has recommended fixing the full tank level (FTL) boundaries of all minor irrigation tanks and removal of encroachments as immediate intervention/initiatives.44,170 minor irrigation tanks in TelanganaThe committee of experts observed in its report, submitted to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday (August 29, 2026), that merger of minor irrigation department with major irrigation after formation of Telangana State had proved disastrous since there was no focus, proper supervision and maintenance of the smaller water bodies (minor irrigation tanks) totalling 44,170.Basic objective behind formation of the experts committee was rejuvenation of minor irrigation system along with restructuring the MI department, involving farmers and panchayat raj institutions/bodies in it, stabilising the sector and phased development, Chairman of the Commission M. Kodanda Reddy said.Up to 95% of farmers not getting MI water, relying on borewellsThe report submitted to the government has noted that 90% to 95% of farmers under minor irrigation sources were not getting water for irrigation from the sources and were mostly depending on borewells for farming.Issues that impacted minor irrigationIt noted that MI sources were badly affected with neglect, encroachments and siltation despite the fact that they were the backbone of the rural environment, irrigation and reuse of groundwater.It has pointed out that merger of minor irrigation with major irrigation departments in 2020 had reduced government focus, responsibility and supervision on small water bodies as water users’ associations (WUAs) had become defunct. Repetition of responsibilities between departments, reduction in water use efficiency due to lack of engineering supervision, encroachment of water bodies, particularly in and around urban areas, and increasing pollution had all pushed MI sources into trouble.RecommendationsThe experts committee has recommended re-establishment of MI system with small technical units to improve water use efficiency, clear powers, responsibilities and decision-making power to Panchayat Raj (PR) bodies and WUAs and formation of command area based management systems to integrate minor and major irrigation sources along with improvement pump-sets’ efficiency to save at least ₹3,000 crore per annum energy consumption.Further, it wanted policy support to PR bodies and WUAs to manage MI sources and collect water use tax (water cess) by making changes in WALTA and PR Acts, enactment of a separate legislation for MI sources and their long-term protection. Capacity building of farmers and participation of people by providing them training on water use plan, efficient farming and management and allocation of funds to PR bodies and WUAs for maintenance of MI sources have also been recommended. Published - August 31, 2026 05:05 pm IST