Telangana's Chief Minister Inaugurates Indira Soura Giri Irrigation Development: Solar Water Pump Initiative Granted to Indigenous Agriculturists
Telangana Launches Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam Scheme for Tribal Farmers
In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture and rural development, the Telangana government has launched the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme. The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, aims to empower tribal, adivasi, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers through solar-powered irrigation solutions.
The scheme, announced in July 2025, targets 2.1 lakh ST farmers and aims to bring irrigation facilities to six lakh acres of Rights of Forest Records (RoFR) land over five years, with an estimated investment of Rs 13,200 crore.
The Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme is focused on providing solar pump sets, sprinklers, and drip irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers over three years. Priority is given to tribal, adivasi hamlets, and agency areas, with the initiative also including providing solar power infrastructure for government schools, colleges, offices, and the State Secretariat.
The project will be fully funded by the state government, with each solar pump, costing Rs 6 lakh, being fully subsidized. In the first year alone, Rs 600 crore will be allocated to irrigate 27,000 acres, benefiting 10,000 farmers.
As of August 2025, the pilot project of the scheme covers 45 acres and benefits 45 tribal families in Macharam village. The scheme plans to distribute solar pumps across the entire Achampet Assembly constituency within the next 100 days.
The launch event of the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme also unveiled the 12-point 'Nallamala Declaration', outlining various developmental initiatives for tribal communities residing in forest areas. The Chief Minister has also directed officials to prepare plans for setting up solar power plants through women's self-help groups.
However, as of mid-2025, the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme does not currently have a target for setting up solar power plants through women's self-help groups, and the state government has not specified a financial outlay for such projects.
The Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme is part of a broader developmental vision for tribal communities and aims to transform the lives of tribal farmers through sustainable agricultural practices.
This scheme is part of Telangana's broader move towards renewable energy-based agricultural development and rural empowerment via solar irrigation and water management technologies. It is expected that the scheme will provide additional income for women and contribute to the state's renewable energy goals.
[1] Telangana Today. (2025). Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme launched to empower tribal farmers. Retrieved from www.telanganatoday.com
[2] The Hindu. (2025). Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme: Government officials review implementation status. Retrieved from www.thehindu.com
[3] Deccan Chronicle. (2025). Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme: Solar pumps for tribal farmers in Telangana. Retrieved from www.deccanchronicle.com
[4] Times of India. (2025). Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme: Telangana government to set up solar power plants through women's self-help groups. Retrieved from timesofindia.indiatimes.com
[5] New Indian Express. (2025). Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme: PM-KUSUM scheme not offering subsidy for solar power plants set up through women's self-help groups in Telangana. Retrieved from newindianexpress.com
[1] In line with Telangana's renewable energy focus, the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme extends its reach beyond agricultural development, with plans to set up solar power plants through women's self-help groups.
[2] Significant health-and-wellness benefits can be derived from this initiative, as improved irrigation facilities will lead to better crop yields, contributing to the overall fitness-and-exercise of the tribal communities, especially women, who no longer have to travel long distances to fetch water.
