Tummidihatti Barrage: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Pushes for 152-Metre Height in Meet with Fadnavis
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy meets Maharashtra's Devendra Fadnavis to discuss raising the Tummidihatti Barrage height to 152 metres for irrigation.
In a significant move to resolve a decades-old irrigation deadlock, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy led a high-level delegation to Mumbai for a crucial meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The discussions, held at the Sahyadri State Guest House, centered on the proposed Tummidihatti Barrage proposal across the Pranahita River, situated on the border of the two states.
The meeting saw the participation of Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Chief Secretaries of both states, and senior officials from their respective Irrigation Departments. The primary agenda was to discuss the technicalities of the barrage, specifically the proposal to increase its height to 152 metres, alongside concerns regarding water availability and submergence implications.
The Push for 152 Metres: Why the Height Matters
During the session, Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy delivered a comprehensive presentation on the socio-economic landscape of the erstwhile Adilabad district. He pointed out that despite its rich cultural and historical roots, the region has suffered from extreme economic backwardness for decades.
Minister Reddy highlighted a critical gap in previous planning:
- The 2016 Agreement: A previous agreement set the barrage height at 148 metres.
- The Limitation: The Minister argued that 148 metres would be insufficient to meet the actual irrigation needs of the region.
- The Solution: A height of 152 metres is proposed as the most viable technical solution to maximize the use of gravity for water conveyance.
The Minister further explained that modern challenges—including rising power costs, energy requirements, climate change, and environmental sustainability—make the 152-metre height essential for long-term operational success.
Addressing the Human Cost and History
The Telangana delegation emphasized that the project is not just about engineering, but about social justice. Minister Reddy noted that the tribal and Adivasi communities in Adilabad have been deprived of development opportunities for generations, a factor that historically contributed to the rise of Naxalism in the area. He reminded the Maharashtra delegation that efforts to bring irrigation to this region have been ongoing since October 6, 1975, yet the aspirations of the local people remain largely unfulfilled.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy echoed these sentiments, invoking the legacy of tribal leader Komaram Bheem and the historic Jal, Jangal, Zameen struggle. He framed the Tummidihatti Barrage as an instrument for the social and economic transformation of a historically neglected tribal belt.
Compensation and Strategic Cooperation
Recognizing the impact on the neighboring state, the Government of Telangana has expressed its willingness to compensate farmers in Maharashtra whose agricultural lands may be affected by submergence. This compensation would be provided in accordance with the land acquisition guidelines and policies applicable within Maharashtra.
Beyond Irrigation: A Strategic Bridge
CM Revanth Reddy also broadened the scope of the conversation, highlighting the strategic national importance of the Adilabad region. He pointed out that proposed civilian and defence airport facilities in Adilabad could act as a catalyst for growth, benefiting not only Telangana but also the adjoining regions of Maharashtra.
The Chief Minister envisioned the barrage as more than a water project, describing it as a physical and symbolic bridge that could strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation between the two states. He urged Maharashtra to cooperate in a spirit of brotherhood and mutual understanding, drawing on the shared heritage of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.