Telangana, Maharashtra chief ministers agree to study raising Tummidihatti barrage height

Telangana and Maharashtra chief ministers have agreed to form a joint committee to examine raising the Tummidihatti irrigation project's full reservoir level to as high as 152 metres. The proposal, discussed during a meeting in Mumbai on Monday, aims to boost water supply for Telangana farmers across Adilabad to Rangareddy districts. Both leaders recalled the 2016 accord, signed when K. Chandrashekhar Rao was chief minister, which fixed the barrage height at 148 metres. Revanth Reddy argued that the earlier limit would curtail benefits for Telangana’s farmers and tribal communities, and pledged full compensation for any Maharashtra lands that might be submerged under the higher water level. Fadnavis responded on social media that a joint committee comprising the chief secretaries and water‑resources secretaries of the two states will study technical details and potential submergence in Maharashtra. He added that Maharashtra will also conduct its own review while protecting its own interests. The chief ministers described the talks as productive and constructive, emphasizing cooperation in the larger national interest. Revanth Reddy thanked Fadnavis for his positive stance and noted the commitment to help tribal areas in the former Adilabad district. The next steps involve the committee’s technical assessment and separate state reviews before any decision on raising the barrage height is taken.

Context

A higher full reservoir level allows more water to be stored during monsoon, increasing irrigation potential downstream. However, raising a barrage can flood upstream land, requiring compensation and careful study of environmental impacts. Inter‑state water projects in India often need joint committees to balance benefits and concerns of both states.