Tummidihatti Barrage: Revanth Reddy Seeks Centre’s Help on Tummidihatti Barrage

Tummidihatti Barrage: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has once again taken up the Tummidihatti Barrage issue with the Centre, seeking its intervention to reach an understanding with Maharashtra on the project’s height.

During a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in New Delhi, Revanth Reddy, along with Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, discussed the pending approvals for Telangana’s irrigation projects. The State government is seeking support for a barrage at a higher level so that water can be moved towards the Sripada Yellampalli reservoir through gravity.

The height of the proposed Tummidihatti Barrage has remained a key issue between Telangana and Maharashtra. Maharashtra had earlier agreed to a 148 metre level, while Telangana has been seeking a higher level. Recent discussions have focused on 152 metres, with Telangana also indicating that 150 metres could be considered if necessary.

Telangana’s argument is that a higher barrage level would make gravity based water transfer possible and reduce the need for pumping. That, in turn, could lower electricity requirements for moving water. The State has also referred to a Central Water and Power Research Station study while presenting its case.

The Central Water Commission had already brought officials from Telangana and Maharashtra together for discussions on the technical and inter State aspects of the project. However, the September 1 meeting did not result in a final assurance from Maharashtra on the proposed height.

Apart from Tummidihatti, the Telangana delegation also raised the issue of pending environmental clearances for several irrigation projects, including Palamuru Rangareddy, Dindi, Sita Rama Sagar and Gouravelli. The State government has argued that delays in approvals are affecting project progress and increasing costs.

The Samakka Sagar project and pending approvals with the Central Water Commission were also discussed. Telangana is separately pursuing a no objection certificate from Chhattisgarh for the project, according to the government’s account of the discussions.

The meeting also covered telemetry arrangements under the Krishna River Management Board. Telangana has sought faster installation of the remaining equipment to improve monitoring of water utilisation.

For now, the Tummidihatti issue remains dependent on further discussions between Telangana and Maharashtra. No final agreement on the proposed higher barrage level has been announced so far.