Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday requested Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to support the construction of the Tummidihetti barrage across the Pranahita River in Adilabad district with an enhanced height of 152 metres, emphasising the need to develop backward regions and improve tribals' livelihoods.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai to seek his support for barrage construction.
During the meeting with the Telangana Chief Minister and officials, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that if the project did not adversely affect his state or its people, there would be no hesitation in supporting Telangana in meeting its water requirements.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister also proposed the constitution of a joint committee of irrigation officials to examine the proposed barrage height, water availability, submergence implications, affected agricultural lands, compensation requirements and other technical matters.
The two sides discussed the proposed Tummidihetti barrage across the Pranahita River on the Telangana–Maharashtra border, including the proposed increase in barrage height, water availability, submergence implications and other technical aspects.
Telangana irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy presented the technical and operational advantages of constructing the Tummidihetti barrage at a height of 152 metres instead of 148 metres, describing it as the most viable solution for meeting the region's water requirements.
He explained why the 2016 agreement, which provided for a barrage height of 148 metres, would not adequately address the irrigation requirements of the region.
The irrigation minister further conveyed that the Telangana government was willing to compensate farmers in Maharashtra for agricultural land affected by submergence, in accordance with the land acquisition guidelines and compensation policies applicable in Maharashtra.
Following the presentation, Revanth Reddy emphasised that the construction of the Tummidihetti barrage was important not merely as an irrigation project but also as an instrument for the social and economic transformation of neglected tribal regions.
He urged Maharashtra to extend its cooperation in a spirit of friendship, brotherhood and mutual understanding, keeping in view the larger objective of developing backward regions and improving the lives of tribal communities.
Responding to Telangana's request, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said his government would reconsider the proposed increase in the height of the Tummidihetti barrage. However, he emphasised that several technical, environmental and administrative procedures would have to be completed before reaching a final decision.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister stated that the Central Water Commission (CWC) would continue its technical examinations and studies within its jurisdiction.
The proposed joint committee would also examine the assessments and concerns of both states regarding the extent of submergence and the possible impact on land and local communities, including alternative approaches where necessary.
Fadnavis suggested that officials and technical experts from both states work together to prepare a clear timeline and roadmap for further discussions and necessary action.
During the meeting, Revanth Reddy invited the Maharashtra Chief Minister to attend the Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled to be held from December 7 to 9 in Hyderabad. Fadnavis accepted the invitation and said he would attend the summit.