The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally District, Telangana, India. The 3 main purposes of this project are irrigation, transport, and power. This article briefly throws light on the important nuggets of information related to the Kaleshwaram Project.
Topics concerning Government initiatives to develop infrastructure in India is highly relevant for the Current Affairs segment of the IAS Exam.
Kaleshwaram Project – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
| Kaleshwaram Multipurpose Lift Irrigation Project | It is the Worlds largest Irrigation and Drinking Water System. |
| Cost of Kaleshwaram Project | Rs 1.2 Lakh crores |
| Location of the Project | Kaleshwaram, Telangana – at the Confluence of Pranhita and Godavari Rivers. |
It was inaugurated by the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in June 2019, in the presence of Chief Ministers from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
What is the Significance (Technological) of the Kaleshwaram Multipurpose Lift Irrigation Project?
- Telangana is at an elevation of 300 metres to 650 metres above mean sea level. River Godavari flows at an elevation of 100 metres below mean sea level. Hence gigantic pumps have to be used for pumping water.
- A barrage is constructed at Medigadda in Jayshankar Bhupalpally district and reverse pump the water into the main Godavari river and divert it through lifts and pumps into a huge and complex system of reservoirs, water tunnels, pipelines, and canals.
- By the time the water reaches Kondapochamma Sagar, the last reservoir in the system about 227 km away in Gajwel district, the Godavari water would have been lifted to a height of 618 metres from its source at Medigadda.
- This project will have the longest underground irrigation tunnel in the world (14.09 Km).
- The pumps would be operating at a cavern and surge pool which also holds a record for being the biggest in the world with a capacity to hold 2 crore litres of water.
Below-table shares Important Technical Facts of the Kaleshwaram Project
| Number of Links | Kaleshwaram Project is divided into 7 links |
| Total Length of Kaleshwaram Project |
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| Number of reservoirs in the Project | 20 reservoirs |
| Length of Tunnels | 20 reservoirs are interconnected through a network of tunnels running up to a length of 330 Km. |
| Number of water lifts | 20 |
| Number of Pumps | 19 |
| Longest Underground Tunnel in the Project | 21 Km, connecting Medaram reservoir with Yellampalli reservoir. |
| Farthest Point in the Project | Narketpally (Nalgonda District), Telangana. It is 500 km from the source. |
Candidates can also read:
| List of Major Dams in India | Koyna Dam |
| Tipaimukh Project | Micro-Irrigation Fund |
Kaleshwaram Project – Benefits
Apart from the obvious benefits like irrigation, drinking water and transportation, it will also help in other aspects which are mentioned below
- This project will help the fishing industry
- Development of Water sports
- Improve the tourism industry
State Governments of Telangana and Maharashtra have signed water-sharing agreement from this project, thus putting an end to the decades-old disagreement between the 2 states.
Below-table shares facts on the ways Kaleshwaram project will be of use to Telangana
| Number of Districts that will receive Water for Irrigation and Drinking purposes | 20 Districts (Out of 31 Districts) in Telangana |
| The volume of water produced |
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(Note: tmcft – one thousand million cubic feet)
Kaleshwaram Project – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
Candidates can find the general pattern of the Civil Service Exam by visiting the UPSC Syllabus 2021 page.
Brief Facts about Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project for UPSC
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