Hyderabad, Apr 29 (TNT): The Telangana Government on Wednesday decided to initiate discussions with Maharashtra to resolve issues related to the proposed Tummidihatti Barrage, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directing officials to begin preparations for inter-state talks.
At a high-level review meeting held here, the Chief Minister instructed Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy to write to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and seek his intervention to facilitate discussions with Maharashtra for early resolution of the issue.
Officials and irrigation experts informed the meeting that constructing the barrage at a height of 150 metres would enable utilisation of around 100 TMC of water while minimising submergence in Maharashtra.
It was noted that Maharashtra had earlier agreed to a height of 148 metres, and that increasing the height further could lead to greater submergence in its territory.
The Chief Minister emphasised that a 150-metre structure would strike a balance between water utilisation and submergence concerns, and assured that Telangana is prepared to provide compensation for any displacement.
He said the project would ensure water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes in upland regions, including Adilabad, and enable gravity flow to the Sripada Yellampalli Reservoir at lower cost.
Officials also informed that nearly ₹11,000 crore has already been spent on the Pranahita-Chevella Project, with about 71.5 km of canal works completed in several stretches.
Considering the political alignment in Maharashtra, the Chief Minister asked Uttam Kumar Reddy to immediately engage with Kishan Reddy to expedite coordination with the neighbouring state and safeguard Telangana’s interests.
Separately, reviewing the restoration works of the Medigadda Barrage, the Chief Minister directed officials to speed up geo-technical testing and complete repair works before the onset of the monsoon.
He said both the inter-state discussions on Tummidihatti and the timely restoration of Medigadda are critical to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and ensuring water security in the state.
TNT TS
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