Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held high-level talks in Mumbai on the long-pending Tummidihatti barrage project. Telangana sought Maharashtra’s approval to restore the proposed barrage height to 152 metres as part of the Pranahita-Chevella project.
The meeting took place at Sahyadri State Guest House. Telangana irrigation officials presented the project designs to both Chief Ministers. They explained how the proposed structure on the Pranahita river could improve water diversion to the former undivided Adilabad district and other areas.
Telangana sought a full reservoir level of 152 metres after an earlier reduction to 148 metres. According to officials, the lower level would reduce the available water head and limit diversion to around 44 thousand million cubic feet (TMC). By contrast, they estimated that a 152-metre barrage could enable gravity-based diversion of about 80 to 100 TMC.
Tummidihatti barrage talks address water diversion and submergence
During the meeting, Telangana officials used maps and a detailed presentation to explain the proposed design and its expected benefits. They also discussed the extent of submergence in Maharashtra and the compensation for affected areas. The presentation covered the interests of both states and the project’s potential water-sharing benefits.
Revanth Reddy attended the meeting with Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. The chief secretaries of both states, irrigation department officials and senior officers from the inter-state water resources division also participated.
The discussions marked a step in negotiations over the Tummidihatti barrage, which has remained pending for years. However, the final agreement will depend on the decision taken by the Maharashtra government following the talks. The available information did not confirm whether the two states reached a final agreement at the meeting.