Tummidihatti: TG Gets Maharashtra Nod

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded positively to consider a request by Telangana to give the nod for construction of Tummidihatti Barrage with a height of 152 metres, the Telangana CMO said on Monday.

A Telangana delegation led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met Fadnavis in Mumbai and discussed construction of the Tummidihatti Barrage across the Pranahita River on the Telangana–Maharashtra border, including the proposed enhancement of the barrage height, water availability, submergence implications, and other technical aspects.

According to the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Chief Secretaries of both states, and senior officials of the Irrigation Departments participated in the meeting.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister expressed his willingness to revisit Telangana's request.

However, he emphasised that several technical, environmental, and administrative steps would have to be completed before reaching a final conclusion.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister stated that if the project did not adversely affect Maharashtra or its people, his government would have no hesitation in supporting Telangana in meeting its water requirements, in the larger spirit of national interest.

Uttam Kumar Reddy made a detailed presentation highlighting the historical significance, cultural heritage, social conditions, and economic backwardness of the erstwhile Adilabad district.

He elaborated on why the 2016 agreement, which provided for a barrage height of 148 metres, would not adequately address the irrigation requirements of the region.

The minister emphasised that the present challenges relating to energy requirements, power costs, environmental concerns, climate change, and long-term operational sustainability made it necessary to explore solutions that maximise the use of gravity for water conveyance.

He presented the technical and operational advantages of constructing the Tummidihatti Barrage at a height of 152 metres, describing it as the most viable solution for meeting the region's water requirements.

The minister further conveyed that the Telangana government is willing to compensate farmers in Maharashtra for agricultural land affected by submergence, in accordance with the land acquisition guidelines and compensation policies applicable in Maharashtra.

CM Revanth Reddy observed that the proposed barrage could serve as a physical bridge connecting the two states, strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation between communities on both sides of the border.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister proposed the constitution of a joint committee of officials headed by the Principal Secretaries of the Irrigation Departments of both states.

The committee would examine the proposed barrage height, water availability, submergence implications, affected agricultural lands, compensation requirements and other technical matters.

It would also examine the assessments and concerns of both states regarding the extent of submergence and the possible impact on land and local communities, including alternative approaches where necessary.

The Chief Minister suggested that officials and technical experts from both states work together to prepare a clear timeline and roadmap for further discussions and necessary action.

The subsequent meetings, technical consultations and the way forward would be worked out by the officials and experts of the two states.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy invited his Maharashtra counterpart to participate in the Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled to be held on December 7, 8, and 9 at Future City in Hyderabad.