Thummidihatti Barrage Height Proposal Moves Forward After Telangana-Maharashtra Talks

Telangana has made a significant move towards advancing the long-pending Thummidihatti irrigation project, with Maharashtra expressing a willingness to reconsider the proposed height of the barrage across the Pranahita River. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded positively to Telangana’s proposal to increase the barrage height from 148 metres to 152 metres, while emphasising that technical, environmental and administrative aspects must be examined before a final decision is taken.

A delegation led by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met Fadnavis at Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the chief secretaries of both states and senior officials participated in the discussions, which covered water availability, submergence risks, land acquisition and compensation.

Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the project’s importance to the erstwhile Adilabad district, particularly its tribal communities, which continue to face economic challenges and inadequate access to irrigation and drinking water.

Tracing the project’s history to an agreement signed on October 6, 1975, between then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jalagam Vengala Rao and Maharashtra Chief Minister S.B. Chavan, he said decades of discussions had failed to deliver the expected progress. A 2016 agreement fixed the barrage height at 148 metres, but Telangana maintains that this would not adequately meet its water requirements.

Telangana proposed raising the height to 152 metres, citing the need to improve water supply while reducing electricity consumption through gravity-based water conveyance. Revanth Reddy described the project as an opportunity to strengthen development in border regions of both states.

Referring to tribal leader Komaram Bheem’s ‘Jal, Jangal, Zameen’ movement, he stressed the importance of addressing the long-standing needs of tribal and Adivasi communities. He also highlighted proposed defence and civilian aviation facilities in Adilabad, saying improved connectivity could generate employment and stimulate economic activity.

Telangana assured Maharashtra that farmers whose agricultural lands might be submerged would receive compensation under the state’s applicable land acquisition policies.

Fadnavis agreed to reconsider the proposed height increase but said detailed assessments were necessary to safeguard Maharashtra’s interests. The Central Water Commission (CWC) would undertake technical studies within its remit.

He proposed a committee led by the irrigation department principal secretaries of both states to examine water availability, submergence, affected lands and compensation. The panel would also explore alternatives and prepare a roadmap with timelines.

The proposal remains subject to further technical and environmental scrutiny, with both states seeking a solution that supports regional development without adversely affecting affected communities.