Telangana, Maharashtra Discuss Tummidihetti Barrage; Revanth Reddy Seeks Cooperation

Telangana proposes raising barrage height to 152 metres to improve irrigation and drinking water supply; Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis responds positively

Mumbai: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri Government Guest House in Mumbai to discuss the proposed Tummidihetti Barrage on the Pranahita river along the Telangana–Maharashtra border.

The meeting was attended by Telangana Water Resources Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, the chief secretaries of both states and senior officials from their respective water resources departments. Discussions focused on the proposed barrage’s height, water availability, flood impacts and other technical aspects.

During the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy presented the project’s background and highlighted the developmental challenges facing the erstwhile Adilabad district, particularly its tribal and indigenous communities. He traced efforts to develop the project to an agreement signed on October 6, 1975, between then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jalagam Vengal Rao and Maharashtra leader S.B. Chavan.

Although an agreement was reached in 2016 to construct the barrage at a height of 148 metres, the Telangana government believes this would not adequately meet the region’s irrigation and drinking water requirements. Reddy proposed increasing the height to 152 metres, citing technical, operational and financial considerations, including electricity costs, environmental protection and the need to convey water by gravity.

He also assured Maharashtra that Telangana would compensate farmers whose agricultural lands are affected by flooding due to the project, in accordance with the state’s applicable land acquisition and compensation policies.

Revanth Reddy highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two states and the need to improve living conditions in backward tribal regions. Referring to Komaram Bheem’s Jal, Jungle, Zameen struggle, he stressed the longstanding demand for irrigation and drinking water facilities in Adilabad.

The chief minister also said a proposed defence and civil airport in Adilabad could strengthen connectivity, economic activity and development opportunities in the border regions of both states.

Describing the barrage as more than an irrigation project, Revanth Reddy urged Maharashtra to cooperate, saying the initiative could help connect the two states and support the welfare of tribal communities.