CM Revanth Reddy Pushes Thummidihatti Barrage Talks, Reviews Khelo India Preparations

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed irrigation officials to intensify discussions with Maharashtra to resolve pending issues concerning the proposed Thummidihatti Barrage, assuring that Telangana is ready to compensate for land affected by submergence. He also reviewed preparations for the Khelo India Youth Games 2026, stressing the need for world-class sporting facilities and flawless arrangements ahead of the national event scheduled from December 11 to 22.

During a review meeting at his Jubilee Hills residence on Tuesday, attended by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Chief Minister asked officials to maintain regular communication with Maharashtra authorities. He instructed them to compile complete details of the land likely to be submerged and submit relevant documents, including existing agreements, to the neighbouring state.

Revanth Reddy said Telangana was willing to deposit the required compensation amount into a joint account. He also assured that the state had no objection to Maharashtra conducting surveys of the affected areas and directed officials to extend full cooperation.

At a separate review meeting at the MCR HRD Institute's Bodhi Pavilion, Revanth Reddy emphasised that Telangana must host the 8th Khelo India Youth Games with high standards and proper coordination. He called for developing permanent sports infrastructure to identify emerging talent and prepare young athletes for international competitions.

He also directed officials to include Karrasamu, a traditional martial art of Telangana, in the competitions under the host state's category. Group-I officers will be assigned supervisory responsibilities, while local officials will monitor events across districts.

The Chief Minister stressed that athletes must receive quality accommodation and directed officials to submit weekly progress reports. Considering the El Niño conditions, he advised organisers to avoid unnecessary expenditure on opening and closing ceremonies. Resources being mobilised for the Invest Telangana Global Summit should also be utilised for the sporting event.

The games are expected to attract thousands of athletes and around 2,000 coaches and officials. A total of 27 sporting disciplines and one demonstration event will be conducted across 20 venues in six cities, including Hyderabad.

Officials briefed the meeting on infrastructure development and preparations for Telangana's contingent. The government aims to strengthen the state's sporting ecosystem through its sports policy and the Young India Physical Education and Sports University, with the long-term ambition of making Telangana a national sports hub.