Telangana CM Prepares for Talks with Maharashtra on Tummidihatti Barrage
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasizes the need for strategic discussions with Maharashtra regarding the Tummidihatti Barrage project.
Telangana aims for a 152m FRL at Tummidihatti Barrage to enhance irrigation.
No villages in Maharashtra will be submerged; only 2,300 acres affected.
The project is crucial for irrigating 2 lakh acres in Adilabad district.
On October 23, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy convened a meeting with officials to prepare for upcoming discussions with Maharashtra about the Tummidihatti Barrage project. This barrage is proposed to be constructed across the Pranahitha River with a full reservoir level (FRL) of 152 meters. Reddy highlighted the importance of convincing Maharashtra, the upper riparian state, to support the project.
The Chief Minister's meeting included key ministers and officials, where he noted that Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had indicated a willingness to discuss the Tummidihatti project after October 23. Engineers from the Irrigation Department provided insights into the water diversion capabilities of the barrage, asserting that the construction would not lead to the submergence of any villages in Maharashtra, with only 2,300 acres facing submergence at the proposed FRL.
Reddy instructed officials to assess the potential submergence in Maharashtra to strengthen their case for maximizing water diversion to Telangana. He emphasized the need to provide all necessary information to the Central Water Commission following a recent meeting between the states in New Delhi. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that the project would benefit the local communities, particularly in the Adilabad district, which is predominantly forested and tribal.
The Tummidihatti Barrage is expected to irrigate approximately 2 lakh acres, and Reddy pointed out that Maharashtra had previously agreed to a lower FRL of 148 meters. However, he argued that such a height would not allow Telangana to achieve its water diversion goals. He urged officials to compile comprehensive technical reports and data to persuade Maharashtra to approve the 152-meter FRL.
In addition to the Tummidihatti project, Reddy directed officials to facilitate the lifting of water for the Dindi project and Achampet lift irrigation scheme. This includes arrangements to draw 0.6 tmc ft of water daily from the Srisailam reservoir. The Chief Minister's proactive approach aims to ensure that Telangana's irrigation needs are met without compromising existing projects.
