CM Revanth Reddy Urges Centre to Fast-Track Tummidihetti Barrage
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy meets Union Jal Shakti Minister to expedite Tummidihetti barrage and other vital irrigation project approvals.
In a significant move to secure the water future of Telangana, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday. The primary objective of the high-level meeting was to push for the swift clearance of critical inter-state irrigation projects, with a specific focus on the Tummidihetti barrage.
The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for the central government to intervene and facilitate dialogue with the Maharashtra government to resolve hurdles surrounding the proposed construction of the barrage. Accompanied by State Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and a senior delegation, Reddy sought the Centre's assistance in finalizing agreements that have faced ongoing delays.
The Strategic Importance of the 152-Meter Level
A key technical point raised during the discussions was the proposed Full Reservoir Level (FRL) for the Tummidihetti barrage. The Chief Minister advocated for a construction level of +152 meters. According to the state leadership, this specific height is crucial for several reasons:
- Gravity-Based Supply: It would allow water to flow naturally to the Yellampalli project through gravity.
- Cost Efficiency: By utilizing gravity, the state can significantly reduce electricity consumption.
- Economic Savings: Lower power usage directly translates to reduced operational costs for water supply.
Push for Environmental Clearances
Beyond the Tummidihetti barrage, the Chief Minister addressed the growing concern over pending environmental clearances for several major state projects. He noted that the ongoing delays are causing a sharp escalation in construction costs.
The Chief Minister specifically appealed for immediate approvals for the following:
- Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS)
- Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme (DLIS)
- Sitarama Sagar Multipurpose Project (SSMP)
- Gauravelli reservoirs
Reddy also highlighted the recent Supreme Court verdict regarding new environmental clearance guidelines, urging the Centre to accord approvals to these projects without further hesitation.
Updates on Sammakka Sagar and Telemetry Systems
The meeting also covered the Sammakka Sagar project, which is currently awaiting clearances from the Central Water Commission (CWC). The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that while the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted, the state is actively engaging with the Chhattisgarh government to secure the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Furthermore, the installation of the telemetry system by the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) was discussed. Revanth Reddy confirmed that Telangana has already deposited ₹4.15 crore for the initial phase and requested the rapid completion of the remaining two phases of the installation process.
The delegation included several key figures, such as State Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy, MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna, MLA Gaddam Vinod, and State Government Advisor Adityanath Das.