Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Urges Continued Dialogue with Maharashtra on Tummidihatti Barrage

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has asked irrigation officials to maintain a good rapport and continue dialogue with the Maharashtra government on the proposed construction of a barrage at Tummidihatti across the Pranahita river.

At a meeting with irrigation officials, attended by Minister for Irrigation N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Chief Minister instructed the authorities to be fully prepared with comprehensive details of the areas likely to be submerged by the barrage of 152 metres height or full reservoir level (FRL). He stressed that all relevant documents, including existing agreements and other important issues, should be exchanged with the Maharashtra government.

The Chief Minister told the irrigation officials that the government is prepared to provide adequate compensation for lands likely to be submerged in Maharashtra and is also ready to deposit funds into a joint account of the two state governments. He apprised them of the recent discussions held with Maharashtra.

Revanth Reddy made it clear that Telangana would not object to Maharashtra conducting its own survey on the potential submergence of lands. He ordered the officials to furnish all the information sought by Maharashtra in a timely manner.

Irrigation Advisor Adityanath Das, Secretary E. Sridhar, Engineer-in-Chief O.V. Ramesh Babu and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

The Tummidihatti barrage is proposed across the Pranahita river, a tributary of the Godavari. The project involves submergence of land in both Telangana and Maharashtra, making inter-state coordination essential. The Chief Minister's directions are part of efforts to resolve issues through dialogue and cooperation, ensuring transparency in the exchange of information and addressing concerns related to compensation and rehabilitation.

The meeting also underscores the Telangana government's commitment to proceeding with the project in a manner that respects the interests of all stakeholders. By inviting Maharashtra to conduct its own survey and offering to deposit funds into a joint account, the government aims to build trust and facilitate a smooth implementation of the barrage, which is expected to aid irrigation and water management in the region.

Inter-state water projects often require extensive consultation to address issues of submergence, compensation, and rehabilitation. The Chief Minister's instructions reflect a collaborative approach to resolving such matters. The Pranahita river, which flows through Telangana and Maharashtra, is a vital water resource for the region, and projects like the Tummidihatti barrage are intended to harness its potential for irrigation and drinking water needs.

The Telangana government's willingness to compensate for lands submerged in Maharashtra and to deposit funds into a joint account demonstrates its commitment to equitable sharing of benefits and burdens. The decision not to object to Maharashtra's own survey further signals a transparent and cooperative stance. Officials have been directed to provide all necessary information to Maharashtra promptly, which is expected to expedite the resolution of any outstanding issues.

The Chief Minister's emphasis on maintaining a good rapport with Maharashtra is likely to set a positive tone for future negotiations. The meeting comes at a time when inter-state water disputes are often contentious, and Telangana's approach could serve as a model for constructive engagement. The irrigation officials have been tasked with ensuring that all details are thoroughly prepared and shared, which will help both states make informed decisions regarding the project.

The barrage is expected to provide water for irrigation in the region, benefiting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, the submergence of land in Maharashtra has been a point of discussion, necessitating the current round of talks.

The Chief Minister's directives are aimed at ensuring that the project proceeds smoothly with the cooperation of all parties involved.