Published Apr 30, 2026 | 6:02 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 30, 2026 | 6:02 PM
Tummidihatti barrage (X).
Synopsis: Telangana has decided to hold talks with Maharashtra to secure consent to raise the Tummidihatti barrage height to 150 metres, which officials say will allow use of nearly 100 TMC of Godavari water without drastically increasing the risk of submergence. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy pitched compensation for any displacement and proposed seeking the Centre’s support to coordinate with the BJP government in Maharashtra.
The Telangana government will initiate formal talks with Maharashtra to secure consent to raise the height of the Tummidihatti barrage in erstwhile Adilabad district to 150 metres from 148 metres.
The decision came at a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, 29 April.
The Chief Minister directed irrigation officials to begin groundwork for negotiations with Maharashtra, with a proposal to fix the barrage height at 150 metres.
To fast-track the process, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy will write to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and seek his intervention. He is also expected to meet the Union Minister to facilitate discussions with Maharashtra and push for an early resolution.
Officials and irrigation experts at the meeting said fixing the height at 150 metres is critical. Technical assessments show this level would allow Telangana to use nearly 100 TMC of water from the Godavari basin.
At the same time, it would limit submergence in Maharashtra, which is a key sticking point in inter-state talks.
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Maharashtra had earlier agreed to a barrage height of 148 metres. Experts said raising it beyond 150 metres, up to 152 metres, would greatly increase submergence in Maharashtra and make the project contentious.
A 150-metre structure, they said, balances adequate water drawal with manageable displacement and rehabilitation.
During a detailed presentation, irrigation officials set out key technical parameters, including optimal height, projected water use at different levels, and costs.
They added that drawing water by gravity at this height would cut pumping costs and make the project economically viable.
The review also covered progress on the Pranahita-Chevella Project, under which the Tummidihatti barrage is a key component.
Officials told Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy that about ₹11,000 crore has already been spent. They added that canal works have advanced, with around 71.5 kilometres excavated.
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The Chief Minister said the proposed height would not cause major submergence in Maharashtra and said Telangana is willing to compensate any displacement.
He repeated that the project is crucial to secure irrigation and drinking water for upland regions, especially in Adilabad district.
He added that the barrage must allow gravity flow to the Sripada Yellampalli Reservoir to cut operating costs and improve long-term sustainability.
With the BJP in power in Maharashtra, he called for a coordinated approach with the Centre.
Alongside the Tummidihatti talks, the Chief Minister also reviewed restoration work at the Medigadda Barrage, which has developed structural defects in recent months.
He directed officials to speed up geo-technical investigations and complete repairs before the monsoon.
Officials said timely restoration of Medigadda is critical to maintain irrigation supply chains across large parts of the state.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
