Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Seeks Fresh Talks with Maharashtra Over Tummidihetti Barrage Height for Pranahita-Chevella Project

The Telangana Government has taken a step forward to hold discussions with the Maharashtra Government regarding the height and construction of the Tummidihetti Barrage under the Dr. BR Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Project.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking an appointment for a meeting with a Telangana Government delegation.

In the letter, the Chief Minister requested Maharashtra to provide a suitable date at the earliest for discussions on the project.

Tummidihetti Barrage Originally Proposed at 152 Metres

The Tummidihetti Barrage is proposed as part of the Dr. BR Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Project.

According to the proposal, the barrage was initially planned to be constructed at a height of 152 metres.

However, during the Inter-State Board meeting held on August 23, 2016, the Maharashtra Government agreed to the construction of the barrage at a height of 148 metres.

Maharashtra had also assured cooperation for obtaining the required permissions for the project.

Telangana Government Reassesses FRL Requirement

The Telangana Government, which recently decided to complete the Pranahita-Chevella Project, reportedly re-examined the matter.

Based on expert suggestions, the government concluded that a 148-metre Full Reservoir Level (FRL) may not be sufficient to meet the water requirements of North Telangana.

The issue was reviewed considering irrigation and drinking water needs in:

• Adilabad
• Nizamabad
• Karimnagar
• Medak

Telangana Proposes Discussion on Increasing FRL

In the letter, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that another round of discussions is necessary regarding the height of the Tummidihetti Barrage.

The Chief Minister explained that even if the FRL is increased slightly above 148 metres, the submergence impact in Maharashtra would remain minimal.

The letter further mentioned that increasing the FRL would make it possible to bring water to Telangana through gravity flow.

The Telangana Government has initiated discussions with Maharashtra regarding the height and construction of the Tummidihetti Barrage under the Pranahita-Chevella Project. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking an early meeting with a Telangana delegation. Telangana stated that the existing 148-metre FRL may not be sufficient for irrigation and drinking water needs in Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Medak districts and proposed discussions on increasing the barrage height.

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