Hyderabad: The Pranahita barrage proposal gained momentum after the Centre sought a report from the Central Water Commission (CWC) on Telangana’s request to construct a barrage on the Pranahita River. The project, however, will require the consent of the Maharashtra government before it can proceed.
The Telangana government has reportedly prepared a pre-feasibility report for the proposed barrage. It has identified the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers as the preferred location for the project.
The Centre sought the CWC’s assessment after receiving a letter from the state government. If the Commission submits a favourable report and Maharashtra grants its approval, the state could move ahead with the project.
The proposed barrage aims to revive a plan that has remained under discussion for several years. Officials are now examining its technical and administrative feasibility before any final decision is taken.
Earlier studies shaped the Pranahita barrage proposal
The then undivided Andhra Pradesh government prepared reports in 2008 for a barrage at the Wardha-Wainganga confluence. However, the proposal did not progress because of several issues.
After Telangana was formed, the previous BRS government reviewed the proposal before shifting its focus to the Kaleshwaram project. The present Congress government later explored constructing a barrage at Tummidihetti, and ministers also inspected the site.
The state submitted a feasibility report to the Centre during that process. At the same time, the government clarified that the project could move forward only after Maharashtra agreed to the proposal.