International Journal of History

Author(s): B Shiva Kumari

Abstract: The historical development of irrigation in Telangana is deeply intertwined with the region's agrarian economy, ecological diversity, and political transitions. From ancient times, the people of Telangana have devised ingenious water conservation techniques to adapt to the region's semi-arid climate and erratic monsoon patterns. Central to this evolution has been the construction and management of tanks (cheruvulu), especially during the Kakatiya dynasty (12^th-14^th century), which pioneered a decentralized, community-driven irrigation network that sustained agriculture and rural livelihoods for centuries. The tradition of tank irrigation continued under the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi rulers, who expanded and maintained water bodies to support the growing population and urban centers. However, post-independence policies and a shift in focus toward large-scale irrigation projects like Nagarjuna Sagar and Sriramsagar resulted in the gradual neglect of minor irrigation sources, particularly tanks. This imbalance disproportionately affected Telangana, leading to groundwater depletion, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased farmer distress. In response to this historical neglect, the Government of Telangana launched Mission Kakatiya in 2015, a flagship initiative aimed at reviving over 46,000 tanks across the state. The program sought to restore the traditional irrigation ecosystem through desilting, strengthening of bunds, and repairing feeder channels. It also aimed to rejuvenate rural economies by enhancing water availability, increasing cropping intensity, and improving groundwater recharge. This paper traces the historical trajectory of irrigation development in Telangana, analyzing shifts from indigenous practices to state-led interventions. It critically evaluates the socio-economic and environmental outcomes of Mission Kakatiya, positioning it as a model for sustainable water management. By revisiting traditional knowledge and integrating it with contemporary policy frameworks, Telangana offers valuable insights into achieving agrarian resilience in water-stressed regions.

Pages: 21-27 | Views: 718 | Downloads: 486

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