Young engineers must uphold state’s rich heritage in irrigation: Uttam
Hyderabad: State Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy called upon young engineers to maintain Telangana’s rich heritage in irrigation engineering.
Speaking after launching the 2025 diary of the Telangana AE Association at Jalsoudha in Erramanjil Colony on Wednesday, Minister Uttam stressed the importance of dedication, transparency and commitment in maintaining the department’s reputation as one of the most prestigious departments in India.
The minister highlighted iconic projects such as Nagarjuna Sagar, Sriram Sagar and Srisailam and described them as “modern temples” built by previous generations of engineers. “Young engineers should emerge as inheritors of this legacy,” he said, adding that honesty and integrity in their work would lead to professional excellence.
Uttam Kumar Reddy criticised the previous BRS government and accused it of carrying out unplanned and unproductive expenditure in the irrigation sector, leaving it under heavy debt. The irrigation department alone has to spend Rs 11,000 annually on loan repayment and interest due to the huge debt taken by the previous BRS government. “The previous government borrowed heavily in the name of projects without delivering concrete results in ten years,” he said. In contrast, the Congress-led government has adopted the principle of “minimum expenditure, maximum income cut”. This approach focuses on maximising irrigation benefits while keeping costs low. Efforts have been made to improve manpower, streamline infrastructure and prioritise the welfare of employees. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that promotions and transfers in the irrigation department would be completed by the end of January. The decision is in line with the recommendations of a five-member committee set up to remove legal hurdles that had caused delays.
