Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Addresses Maharashtra's Tummidihatti Concerns
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasizes practical solutions for Tummidihatti barrage issues raised by Maharashtra.
Minister directs officials to find solutions for land submergence and environmental impact.
The Tummidihatti barrage aims to support irrigation across 5.85 lakh acres.
Proposed full reservoir level increase from 148m to 152m to enhance water storage.
In a recent directive, Telangana's Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy called on officials to develop effective and practical solutions to the concerns raised by the Maharashtra government regarding the Tummidihatti barrage. This initiative aims to address issues related to land submergence and environmental impact, ensuring that the project meets its irrigation objectives without compromising ecological integrity.
The minister's instructions came after discussions between Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 26 in Mumbai. Reddy emphasized the importance of a thorough evaluation of the engineering aspects of the barrage, particularly focusing on minimizing environmental repercussions while addressing Maharashtra's apprehensions.
During the review, Reddy directed officials to prepare comprehensive maps that identify critical areas such as riverbeds, forests, eco-sensitive zones, and inhabited regions. This mapping is crucial for assessing the extent of land that may be submerged due to the barrage's construction. The Tummidihatti project is designed to divert 77 TMC feet of water, significantly benefiting irrigation across 5.85 lakh acres in seven districts.
The proposed increase in the barrage's full reservoir level (FRL) from 148 metres to 152 metres is expected to more than double its storage capacity, enhancing it from 2.182 TMC feet to 5.697 TMC feet. This increase aims to improve water storage and utilization, which was a key topic during the recent meeting between the two chief ministers. The project assessment suggests that the anticipated submergence will be minimal, and rehabilitation efforts can be effectively managed in both Telangana and Maharashtra.
Looking ahead, the Telangana government is keen on moving forward with the Tummidihatti barrage project while ensuring that all environmental and social concerns are adequately addressed. The next steps will involve detailed assessments and continued dialogue between the two states to facilitate the project's progress.
