Retired engineers, farmers’ leaders, and civil society groups are urging the Telangana government to immediately start pumping water from the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme(KLIS). They say this will help farmers and the general public as the state faces a severe rainfall deficit and the effects of El Nino.

Telangana Rythu Sangham organized a round-table meeting at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Retired Engineers Association (TREA) president, retired engineer Shyam Prasad Reddy, the chief guest, said the government must pump water from the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme to ease the crisis. He warned that El Niño is having a severe impact. The India Meteorological Department predicts little rain until September. Reddy said Telangana faces a sharp rainfall deficit.

He asked the government to immediately start pumping water from the Kannepalli pump house for irrigation and drinking water supply. Reddy explained that water can be lifted when the water level is at 93.5 meters. In July, the Godavari River had already reached 97 meters at Kannepalli.

He suggested the government submit a report to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and request permission to resume pumping operations. Additionally, retired engineers who recently inspected the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages say starting the pumps is technically feasible. Reddy urged the government to consider expert recommendations and begin the process, instead of dismissing technical advice.

Later in the meeting, Farmers’ Association State General Secretary Teegala Sagar moved a resolution and spoke to the gathering. He criticized both the ruling and opposition parties for trading accusations while ignoring the state’s needs. Sagar urged leaders not to put politics above the welfare of Telangana

Sagar said the Farmers’ Association team inspected the projects and found that resuming water pumping is possible. He noted that Telangana has two Union Ministers and eight Members of Parliament. Sagar called on BJP leaders to press the NDSA for the required permissions. He further reminded the group that the barrages were built with public funds. He said leaving the infrastructure idle wastes taxpayer money.

Participants warned they would start state-wide protests if the government does not act. They agreed to share their concerns with the state government and the Minister for Major Irrigation.

Meanwhile, AIKS National Committee member and former MLA Julakanti Ranga Reddy asked authorities to support farmers facing drought. He demanded repairs and said water lifting should come before politics.

The group made their message clear. They want the government to quickly lift water from the Kaleshwaram project, secure NDSA permission, and put farmers and the public first. If the government fails to act, the group warned of widespread protests.