Telangana Explores Changes to Tummidihatti Barrage to Address Environmental Concerns

Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed officials to find practical solutions for Maharashtra's concerns regarding the proposed Tummidihatti barrage across the Pranahita river. During a meeting in Hyderabad on Saturday, the Minister reviewed project alignments and technical aspects to address submergence and environmental issues.

Project Details

Telangana wants to raise the full reservoir level of the barrage from 148 metres, which was agreed upon by both States in 2016, to 152 metres. This change would more than double the water storage capacity from 2.182 tmc ft to 5.697 tmc ft. The project aims to divert 77 tmc ft of water to irrigate over 5.85 lakh acres across seven districts through an integrated system with the Sundilla Barrage and Sripada Yellampalli Project. Officials have been asked to prepare detailed maps of forest zones, revenue lands, and human habitations to study potential submergence and explore engineering changes.

Context

Inter-state water projects often require careful negotiation between neighboring States to balance irrigation needs with environmental protection and land submergence concerns. Discussions between political leaders and technical teams help resolve differences over project dimensions and water sharing agreements.