The Telangana government has intensified efforts to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Chhattisgarh for the long-pending Sammakka-Sarakka Project, a major irrigation initiative across the Godavari River. Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy met Vishnu Deo Sai in Hyderabad on Thursday and formally requested support for the project's clearance.

The Sammakka-Sarakka Project, previously known as the Tupakulagudem Barrage, is considered crucial for Telangana’s plans to enhance irrigation facilities, drinking water supply, and regional development by utilizing Godavari river waters more effectively. State officials believe obtaining the pending NOC from Chhattisgarh could pave the way for final appraisal of the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Central Water Commission.

According to Telangana authorities, all directorates of the CWC have already granted approvals except the Inter-State Directorate, where appraisal remains pending due to the absence of Chhattisgarh’s consent.

In a formal communication submitted to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted Telangana’s continued efforts to address concerns raised by the neighboring state. He recalled discussions held in Raipur in September 2025 and emphasized the project's importance to Telangana's irrigation sector.

Joint Survey in Progress

One of the key issues raised by Chhattisgarh relates to the potential submergence of land and villages due to backwater effects from the proposed project. To address these concerns, engineers from both states previously conducted a joint survey.

Subsequently, Chhattisgarh requested a more detailed assessment involving demarcation of the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) and backwater levels to accurately determine the extent of affected areas. Telangana agreed to fund the entire exercise and released ₹9.88 crore to the Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department in April 2026.

Officials confirmed that the detailed survey is currently underway in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, with technical teams from both states participating in the exercise.

Compensation Assurance

The Telangana government has also assured Chhattisgarh that compensation will be provided for any land identified as affected by submergence or backwater impact. According to officials, compensation will be paid in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Telangana has further conveyed its willingness to deposit compensation funds in advance if required for the issuance of the NOC, signaling its commitment to resolving all outstanding concerns.

Positive Response from Chhattisgarh

Following the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai responded positively to Telangana’s request and assured that the matter would be examined sympathetically.

The development is being viewed as a significant step toward resolving inter-state issues related to the project. If the NOC is granted, the project could move closer to securing final technical appraisal and subsequent implementation.

The Sammakka-Sarakka Project remains one of Telangana’s key irrigation priorities, and the outcome of the ongoing survey and discussions between the two states is expected to play a decisive role in its future progress.