Telangana, Maharashtra Set Up Joint Panel on Tummidihatti

Hyderabad: The Telangana and Maharashtra governments have agreed to constitute a joint committee headed by the principal secretaries of irrigation of both states to examine the proposed Tummidihatti barrage, its height, water availability, submergence and technical feasibility, and prepare a timeline and roadmap for the construction. The decision was taken at a meeting between Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis at Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai on Monday.

Telangana pitched for a 152-metre-high barrage against the 148-metre height agreed upon in 2016, arguing that the enhanced height was essential to meet irrigation requirements of the erstwhile Adilabad district and maximise gravity-based water conveyance. Fadnavis responded positively, assuring that Maharashtra would reconsider the proposal and support Telangana if the project did not adversely affect the state or its people due to enhancement of barrage height to 152 metres.

Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the chief secretaries of both states and senior irrigation department officials participated in the meeting.

Uttam Kumar Reddy made a detailed presentation on the historical, cultural and socio-economic conditions of the erstwhile Adilabad district, which had remained economically backward despite its rich heritage. He highlighted the deprivation of tribal and Adivasi communities and recalled that efforts to provide irrigation to the region had been continuing since October 6, 1975, but their aspirations remained largely unfulfilled.

The minister said the 148-metre barrage proposed under the 2016 agreement would not adequately address the region's irrigation needs. Rising energy costs, environmental concerns, climate change and long-term operational sustainability made gravity-based water conveyance crucial, he said, presenting the technical and operational advantages of the 152-metre proposal.

He assured Maharashtra that Telangana was willing to compensate farmers whose agricultural lands would be submerged, in accordance with the land acquisition and compensation policies applicable in Maharashtra.

Revanth Reddy highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two states, including their shared heritage associated with the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Referring to tribal leader Komaram Bheem’s Jal, Jangal, Zameen struggle, he said generations of tribal communities in Adilabad had been awaiting irrigation and drinking water facilities.

The Chief Minister described the barrage as vital for transforming the economically backward tribal region and urged Maharashtra to cooperate in a spirit of friendship and mutual understanding. He also highlighted the proposed defence and civilian airport facilities at Adilabad, saying they could accelerate development in the district and adjoining Maharashtra regions. The barrage, he said, could strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation between communities on both sides of the border.

Fadnavis acknowledged the region's developmental needs and expressed willingness to reconsider Telangana's request, while stressing that technical, environmental and administrative assessments were necessary. He said the Central Water Commission would continue its studies within its jurisdiction and that Maharashtra would support the project if it did not adversely affect its people, in the larger national interest.

The proposed joint committee will examine the barrage height, water availability, submergence, affected agricultural lands, compensation and other technical issues, including concerns raised by both states and possible alternatives. Officials and experts will prepare a roadmap and timeline for further consultations and necessary action.

Both Chief Ministers reiterated their commitment to developing backward regions and improving the lives of historically disadvantaged communities, particularly tribal and Adivasi populations.

Revanth Reddy also invited Fadnavis to the Invest Telangana Global Summit scheduled at Future City in Hyderabad in December. Fadnavis expressed interest and said he would try to attend.