Maharashtra CM responds positively to Telangana’s request for 152-metre Tummidihatti barrage

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded positively to Telangana’s request to increase the height of the proposed Tummidihatti barrage across the Pranahita river from 148 metres to 152 metres, while making it clear that the project should not adversely affect Maharashtra or its people.

At a meeting with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in Mumbai on Monday, Mr. Fadnavis proposed constituting a joint committee headed by the Principal Secretaries of the Irrigation Departments of the two States to examine the technical feasibility of the proposal, water availability, submergence implications and other related issues.

The committee will assess the likely impact on agricultural land and local communities, compensation requirements and possible alternatives before preparing a timeline and roadmap for further action. The Central Water Commission (CWC) will continue its technical examination within its jurisdiction.

Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy made a detailed presentation explaining why a barrage at 152 metres would be more viable than the 148-metre height envisaged in the 2016 agreement. He cited the need to maximise gravity-based water conveyance in view of rising power costs, energy requirements, environmental concerns, climate change and long-term operational sustainability.

Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy also conveyed the Telangana government’s willingness to compensate farmers in Maharashtra whose agricultural land might be affected by submergence, in accordance with that State’s land acquisition guidelines and compensation policies.

Mr. Revanth Reddy highlighted the long-standing demand for irrigation and drinking water facilities in the tribal-dominated and economically backward Adilabad region. He said the project was important not merely as an irrigation initiative but also as an instrument for the social and economic transformation of communities that had remained deprived of development opportunities for decades.

Recalling the historic ‘Jal, Jangal, Zameen’ struggle led by tribal leader Kumram Bheem, the Chief Minister emphasised the aspirations of Adivasi communities for access to water and improved livelihoods. He pointed out that efforts to provide irrigation to the region had been continuing since October 6, 1975, but the aspirations of its people had remained largely unfulfilled despite several initiatives over five decades.

The Chief Minister also underlined the historical and cultural ties between Telangana and Maharashtra, including their shared heritage associated with the erstwhile Hyderabad State. He said cooperation on the barrage would strengthen relations between the two States and contribute to the development of backward regions on both sides of the border.

Referring to the proposed defence and civilian airport facilities in Adilabad, he said the infrastructure could act as a catalyst for development in the region and adjoining areas of Maharashtra. The barrage, he added, could also strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation between communities along the inter-State border.

Responding to the Telangana delegation, Mr. Fadnavis acknowledged the developmental needs of the region and expressed willingness to reconsider the request, subject to the completion of the necessary technical, environmental and administrative assessments.