Irrigation – Telangana Pushes Fresh Talks with Maharashtra on Tummidihatti Barrage
Irrigation – The Telangana government has taken a significant step toward resolving long-pending issues surrounding the proposed Tummidihatti barrage by initiating plans for discussions with Maharashtra. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed irrigation department officials to prepare for formal talks aimed at securing approval to construct the barrage at a height of 150 meters.
Move to Restart Interstate Dialogue
According to official communication, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for proactive engagement with Maharashtra to move the project forward. He instructed State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy to formally communicate with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and seek his support in facilitating coordination between the two states. The minister is also expected to meet the Union Minister in person to accelerate the process.
Technical Assessment Supports Proposed Height
During a high-level review meeting, irrigation experts and senior officials presented detailed technical findings. They indicated that constructing the barrage at 150 meters would allow Telangana to utilize around 100 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water effectively. This level, they argued, offers a practical balance between maximizing water usage and minimizing potential challenges.
Officials highlighted that Maharashtra had previously agreed to a slightly lower height of 148 meters. However, engineers explained that increasing the height to 152 meters could lead to greater submergence of land within Maharashtra. As a result, 150 meters has emerged as a viable middle ground that ensures adequate water availability while limiting additional impact on neighboring territory.
Project Investments and Progress So Far
Authorities also briefed the Chief Minister on the progress made under the broader Pranahita-Chevella project. The government has already invested approximately ₹11,000 crore in the initiative, with substantial canal construction completed across multiple regions. Around 71.5 kilometers of canal network has been built so far, demonstrating significant groundwork already in place.
Balancing Development and Displacement Concerns
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy underlined that the proposed height of the barrage would not cause substantial additional submergence in Maharashtra. He assured that Telangana is prepared to offer compensation for any displacement resulting from the project. The government believes the barrage will play a crucial role in improving irrigation and drinking water supply, particularly in upland areas such as Adilabad.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring efficient water transfer. He noted that the design should enable water to flow by gravity to the Sripada Yellampalli Reservoir, reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability.
Political Coordination Seen as Key Factor
Given that Maharashtra is currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Telangana leadership sees political coordination at the national level as essential. The Chief Minister urged Uttam Kumar Reddy to immediately reach out to Union Minister Kishan Reddy and request his intervention in persuading Maharashtra to consider Telangana’s requirements favorably.
Efforts are underway to arrange a direct meeting between the state minister and the Union Minister, where detailed discussions are expected to take place.
Focus on Medigadda Restoration
In addition to the Tummidihatti project, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing restoration work at the Medigadda barrage. He instructed officials to speed up geo-technical testing and ensure that all necessary work is completed before the onset of the monsoon season. Timely completion is seen as critical to maintaining water management infrastructure and preventing seasonal disruptions.
The Telangana government’s renewed push signals a determined effort to resolve interstate issues through dialogue while advancing critical irrigation infrastructure. The outcome of upcoming discussions with Maharashtra is likely to play a decisive role in shaping the project’s future