Maharashtra agrees to reconsider Telangana's proposal to increase height of Tummidihatti barrage

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed willingness on Monday to reassess Telangana's proposal to elevate the height of the Tummidihatti barrage, a water structure straddling the Pranahita River on the border between the two southern Indian states. A delegation comprising Telangana's irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, irrigation minister Revanth Reddy and senior officials met with Fadnavis at Mumbai's Sahyadri State Guest House to deliberate on the contentious issue.

The meeting centered on Telangana's contention to augment the barrage's height from the 148 metres stipulated in the 2016 accord to 152 metres, in order to augment the project's capacity to cater to the irrigation needs of the former Adilabad district. A statement from Telangana's chief minister's office (CMO) indicated that Fadnavis affirmed that the Maharashtra government would be amenable to supporting Telangana in meeting its water needs in the broader national interest, provided the project did not impinge upon Maharashtra or its populace.

He underscored the significance of resolving the matter through amicable dialogue, collaboration and neighbourly relations. Fadnavis recommended the formation of a joint committee, comprising officials from Maharashtra's irrigation departments, led by their respective principal secretaries, to evaluate the viability of the proposed height, water availability, submergence effects and compensation obligations.

He also hinted at the need for a clear schedule and blueprint for forthcoming consultations and actions, suggesting that technical experts from both states prepare one. Uttam Kumar Reddy presented a comprehensive overview of the historical neglect, economic backwardness and developmental challenges confronting the erstwhile Adilabad district, especially its tribal and Adivasi communities.

He highlighted that attempts to furnish irrigation facilities to the region have been ongoing since October 6, 1975, but the aspirations of the people had not been met despite five decades of proposals, initiatives and deliberations. The minister argued that the 148-metre barrage height envisaged in the 2016 agreement would not sufficiently meet the region's irrigation requirements.

He contended that the proposed 152-metre height presented a more pragmatic solution, considering water availability, energy requirements, power expenses, environmental concerns, climate change and the long-term operational viability of the project. Uttam Kumar Reddy also conveyed Telangana's readiness to compensate farmers in Maharashtra whose agricultural lands might be submerged, in line with Maharashtra's land acquisition protocols and compensation laws.

During the meeting, Revanth Reddy extended an invitation to Fadnavis to attend the Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled for December 7-9 at Future City in Hyderabad.