Tummidihatti Barrage | Mumbai, Oct 26 (Maxim News) : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have agreed to further examine Telangana’s proposal to increase the height of the Tummidi Hatti barrage on the Pranahita River, with technical, environmental and administrative aspects to be assessed before a final decision is taken.
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The two chief ministers held discussions at Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai, focusing on the proposed barrage along the Telangana–Maharashtra border, water availability, the extent of submergence and the impact on affected areas.
Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the chief secretaries of both states and senior irrigation officials also attended the meeting.
According to the Telangana government’s account of the discussions, Uttam Kumar Reddy presented the case for increasing the proposed barrage height from 148 metres to 152 metres. He said the height agreed upon in 2016 would not fully meet Telangana’s drinking water and irrigation requirements.
criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.
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The minister highlighted the potential benefits of gravity-based water conveyance, citing electricity demand, energy costs, environmental protection, climate change and long-term project maintenance expenses. He also said Telangana was prepared to compensate farmers whose agricultural land in Maharashtra could be affected by submergence, in accordance with Maharashtra’s land acquisition rules and compensation policy.
Tummidihatti Barrage | Focus on Adilabad’s irrigation needs and tribal development
Revanth Reddy highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Telangana and Maharashtra, particularly in the border regions of the erstwhile undivided Adilabad district. He said the region’s tribal and Adivasi communities had faced long-standing economic and development challenges, including inadequate access to irrigation and drinking water.
The chief minister referred to the legacy of tribal leader Komaram Bheem and his struggle for Jal, Jangal, Zameen — water, forest and land. He urged both states to cooperate in improving living conditions and expanding economic opportunities in historically underdeveloped areas.
Reddy also referred to the proposed defence and civilian airport facilities in Adilabad, saying improved aviation and transport infrastructure could support economic activity in the border districts of both states. He described the Tummidi Hatti barrage as a project with the potential to benefit communities on both sides of the state border.
Fadnavis calls for technical assessment
Fadnavis responded positively to Telangana’s request for a fresh examination of the proposed barrage height, according to the Telangana government’s statement. He said Maharashtra would have no objection to reconsidering the 148-metre arrangement if the revised proposal did not adversely affect Maharashtra or its people.
However, he stressed that technical, environmental and administrative considerations needed to be assessed before a final decision. He also referred to the role of the Central Water Commission (CWC) in undertaking studies within its remit.
Fadnavis proposed setting up a committee led by the irrigation department’s senior officials from both states. The committee would examine the proposed barrage height, water availability, the extent of land likely to be submerged in Maharashtra, compensation requirements and other technical issues.
The officials would compare the two states’ estimates of the affected areas, consult technical experts and consider alternatives if necessary. They would also work out a plan for further meetings, timelines and the next steps in the project.
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The discussions mark a further step in efforts to resolve outstanding issues surrounding the Tummidi Hatti barrage. However, the proposed increase to 152 metres has not yet been approved, and the project’s next stage will depend on the outcome of the technical and environmental assessments and further consultations between the two states. (Maxim News).
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Frequently asked questions
1. What was discussed at the Telangana–Maharashtra meeting on Tummidihatti?
The chief ministers discussed the proposed barrage on the Pranahita River, including its height, water availability, submergence, compensation and technical requirements.
2. What barrage height is Telangana proposing?
Telangana is seeking to increase the proposed height from 148 metres to 152 metres. The revised height has not yet received final approval.
3. Why does Telangana want a 152-metre barrage?
Telangana officials say the proposed height could better meet the state’s drinking water and irrigation needs and improve the feasibility of gravity-based water conveyance, potentially reducing pumping and energy requirements.
4. What did Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis say?
According to the Telangana government’s account, Fadnavis agreed to reconsider the proposal, provided Maharashtra’s interests and people would not be adversely affected, and called for further technical and environmental assessments.
5. What happens next in the Tummidihatti project?
A committee of officials from both states has been proposed to study the barrage height, water availability, submergence, compensation and alternatives before further decisions are taken.
