During the late 19th century the Nizams government began medium and major irrigation projects under the supervision of the public works department.
The government evolved a definite policy of preserving and maintaining the tanks, wells, channels and other minor irrigation works.
During the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, especially in the 1920’s, a number of medium and major irrigation projects were built.
The Ghanpur Anicut was the first scheme constructed across Manjira river in 1904. Nizamsagar was the largest irrigation project in the erstwhile Hyderabad state.
The construction of Nizamsagar dam began in 1923 and completed by the year. The Wyara and Palair projects in the Warangal district were completed in 1927.
These irrigation projects not only afforded protection against famine but also yielded a handsome income and profits to the farmers.
