Minor and major irrigation departments merger after Telangana formation proved disastrous; restructure MI sector: experts’ panel
An expert committee in Telangana has recommended restructuring the minor irrigation sector, citing the 2020 merger with major irrigation as a failure. The report calls for immediate action to address neglect, encroachments, and siltation in thousands of small water bodies.
Why it matters
Effective water management is critical for agricultural stability and rural livelihoods in India, particularly as farmers increasingly rely on groundwater.
A committee of experts constituted by the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission to advise the government on restructuring the minor irrigation (MI) sector in the State , has recommended fixing the full tank level (FTL) boundaries of all minor irrigation tanks and removal of encroachments as immediate intervention/initiatives.
The committee of experts observed in its report, submitted to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday (August 29, 2026), that merger of minor irrigation department with major irrigation after formation of Telangana State had proved disastrous since there was no focus, proper supervision and maintenance of the smaller water bodies (minor irrigation tanks) totalling 44,170.
Basic objective behind formation of the experts committee was rejuvenation of minor irrigation system along with restructuring the MI department, involving farmers and panchayat raj institutions/bodies in it, stabilising the sector and phased development, Chairman of the Commission M. Kodanda Reddy said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in