Water Channels Energized, Bringing Relief to Agricultural Fronts in Nirmal and Mancherial
Farmers in Nirmal and Mancherial districts are experiencing a renewed sense of optimism following the release of water into the left canal of the Kadam Project. This development is currently facilitating irrigation for standing paddy crops, a critical step after previous years were marked by insufficient water storage and the resultant crop distress. Officials assert that adequate water levels within the project now promise a reliable supply to the designated agricultural areas.
Signs of Life in the Canals
The release, occurring in January 2026, marks a departure from recent patterns. Farmers, like Rajeshwar from Dandepalli mandal, had previously voiced concerns stemming from a lack of sufficient storage in the Kadam project over the past two years, which led to irrigation shortages during crucial crop cycles. The current operational status suggests an attempt to rectify these persistent issues.
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A History of Struggles and Sporadic Solutions
This year's water release follows closely on the heels of essential repairs undertaken to address dysfunctional gates at the Kadam project, a problem that directly impacted farmers. In March 2025, these repairs enabled the crucial storage and subsequent release of water, ending a "prolonged struggle" for paddy farmers in Nirmal and Mancherial. Officials at the time confirmed that improvements in water storage were anticipated to provide a dependable supply for both Rabi and Kharif seasons, a stark contrast to the crop losses experienced the preceding year. Water then flowed into canals extending towards Jannaram on March 6th, reaching farmers in Kadam, Dandepalli, and Jannaram.
Political Undertakings and Infrastructural Concerns
The release of Rabi water in January 2026 was attended by Vedma Bojju, the Khanapur MLA and Nirmal District Congress Committee president. He assured farmers that water availability would not be an issue, extending to the tail-end areas serviced by the Sadarmat barrage. Bojju also indicated that damaged roads leading to the Kadam project were slated for repair.
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Occasional Surges and High Water Alerts
The Kadam Project's water levels have experienced significant fluctuations, often dictated by meteorological events. In August 2025, heavy rainfall, exceeding 100 mm in Adilabad and Mancherial districts, led to increased water flow into the Kadam Project. This surge prompted irrigation officials to open 15 crest gates, discharging a substantial volume of water into the river. Similar situations of gate openings due to heavy rains and subsequent flood alerts in the region were also reported in August and September 2025.
A Long Overdue Intervention: Silt Removal
A significant, albeit delayed, initiative to enhance the project's capacity is the impending silt removal process, approved after a 60-year hiatus. This process, slated to commence after MLC elections and initiated through a tender process in February 2025, is described as a "prestigious initiative" by the state government. The Kadam project has been identified as a pilot for this desiltation effort in Nirmal district. The project's designed irrigation capacity for 68,150 acres has been hampered by excessive silt accumulation, preventing the full realization of its potential. However, the progress of this critical desiltation has faced its own set of delays.
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