CM Revanth Reddy to Meet Fadnavis Over Tummidihatti Barrage Clearances

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Monday to discuss securing the long-pending inter-state approvals for the proposed Tummidihatti barrage across the Godavari river.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai. Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and officials concerned are also expected to participate in the discussions, according to a statement issued by the state government on Sunday.

The Telangana government has proposed constructing the barrage at Tummidihatti, along the border between Telangana and Maharashtra, to address irrigation requirements in the northern parts of the state. However, the project has remained stalled due to differences between the two states over the proposed barrage height and concerns about the possibility of submergence in certain areas of Maharashtra. The project requires the neighbouring state's approval to move forward.

Revanth Reddy had taken up the issue with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil during a meeting in New Delhi on September 29. He urged the Centre to facilitate discussions with Maharashtra and help expedite the necessary clearances.

The Telangana government is seeking an agreement to construct the barrage with a Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 152 metres. Maharashtra had earlier agreed to a height of around 148 metres, while Telangana has been pushing for a level of 150 to 152 metres to expand the area that can receive irrigation water.

According to the Telangana government's proposal, a barrage with an FRL of 152 metres would enable water to flow to the Yellampally project through gravity, reducing dependence on pumping systems. This would help lower electricity consumption and pumping costs while improving the efficiency of water transfer.

The proposed barrage is also considered important for reviving the objectives of the Pranahita-Chevella project, which aims to strengthen irrigation facilities in northern Telangana.

Monday's meeting is expected to focus on resolving the differences over the barrage's height and securing Maharashtra's consent. An agreement between the two states would mark a significant step towards clearing the project's major interstate hurdle and advancing Telangana's irrigation plans.