Hyderabad: 18,000 tanks rejuvenated in Telangana, says minister

HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has completed works on rejuvenation of 18,000 tanks in the state under its Mission Kakatiya programme, state Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao said here today.
"We're working on rejuvenating a total of 65,000 tanks. Under Mission Kakatiya, so far we have completed 18,000 tanks all over Telangana," he said.
He was speaking at a convention on 'Rejuvenation of Krishna river' organised by the Telangana Water Resources Development Corporation (TWRDC).
Quoting different studies, Rao said ground water level has increased with the rejuvenation of tanks in Telangana.
Observing that Maharashtra releases 100 TMC of water, used for electricity generation, into Arabian sea, he said such water can be released downstream for the benefit of lower riparian states, including Telangana.
"Maharashtra government is using 100 TMC of Krishna water from Koyna dam for electricity. They are sending that water to Arabian sea. Our request is, if they can release that water into Krishna river, we can generate five times more electricity...," he said.
"We can generate the power and with interest we can give it back whenever they require," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, noted water conservationist Rajendra Singh suggested formation of certain separate groups for working on conservation of rivers.
The separate groups should be made of elected representatives, educational institutions and scientists, he said.
He urged the Telangana government to work for rejuvenation of rivers as well.