Telangana Proposes Height Increase of Tummidihatti Barrage to 152 Metres
Telangana's Chief Minister meets with Maharashtra's counterpart to discuss raising the Tummidihatti Barrage height, pending assessments.
Telangana seeks to raise the Tummidihatti Barrage height from 148 to 152 metres.
Maharashtra agrees to reconsider the proposal, contingent on technical evaluations.
A joint committee will assess water availability and potential land submergence.
On October 26, 2026, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy convened with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai to discuss the proposed height increase of the Tummidihatti Barrage on the Pranahita River. The current height of the barrage is 148 metres, and Telangana is advocating for an increase to 152 metres to better meet the irrigation needs of the Adilabad district, particularly in its forested and tribal regions.
The meeting took place at the Sahyadri State Guest House and included senior officials from both states, including Telangana's Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. Discussions focused on the implications of the height increase, including water availability, potential submergence of land, and the necessary technical and administrative requirements. Maharashtra has expressed a willingness to reconsider the proposal, although final approval is still pending.
Telangana officials argue that the current height may not suffice for the irrigation demands of the Adilabad area. During the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy elaborated on the technical aspects of the proposal, emphasizing the benefits of gravity-based water conveyance and the reduction of reliance on energy-intensive pumping systems. He also addressed environmental concerns and the need for sustainable operational practices.
Revanth Reddy underscored the historical and cultural ties between the Adilabad region and Maharashtra, highlighting the pressing irrigation and drinking water needs of local communities. Telangana has committed to compensating farmers in Maharashtra for any agricultural land that might be affected by the barrage's height increase, adhering to relevant land acquisition laws.
Fadnavis indicated that Maharashtra is open to the proposal, provided it does not negatively impact the state or its residents. A joint committee led by the principal secretaries of the irrigation departments from both states will be formed to conduct a thorough assessment of the proposal. This committee will evaluate water availability, potential land submergence, and compensation requirements, while the Central Water Commission will continue its technical review. Further consultations are expected to establish a clear path forward regarding the proposed height increase.
