Uttam Kumar Reddy seeks pragmatic solutions for Tummidihatti barrage project
The Irrigation Minister directed officials to address Maharashtra's concerns regarding submergence and environmental impacts at the proposed site.
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday instructed officials to find technically sound solutions to concerns raised by Maharashtra regarding the proposed Tummidihatti barrage. The Minister reviewed the project's technical aspects and alignments following recent discussions between Telangana and Maharashtra leaders.
The proposed barrage across the Pranahita river would have a full reservoir level of 152 metres. Mr. Reddy requested officials to create comprehensive maps that pinpoint riverbeds, human settlements, revenue lands, and protected forest or eco-sensitive zones to determine the exact extent of submergence.
The Minister stated that engineering changes should be explored to reduce environmental damage and resolve Maharashtra's objections while maintaining irrigation goals. Telangana aims to increase the full reservoir level from 148 metres to 152 metres to enhance water storage and downstream flow.
The project intends to divert 77 tmc ft of water to irrigate more than 5.85 lakh acres across seven districts. This will be achieved through an integrated system involving the Sripada Yellampalli Project and Sundilla Barrage.
At the 152-metre level, storage capacity is expected to reach 5.697 tmc ft, up from 2.182 tmc ft at the 148-metre level. The proposal was discussed during an October 26 meeting in Mumbai between Chief Ministers A. Revanth Reddy and Devendra Fadnavis.