Maharashtra CM gives positive response to Telangana’s request for 152m Tummidihatti barrage

(From left) Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a meeting in Mumbai on Monday (October 26, 2026) | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded positively to Telangana’s request to increase the height of the proposed Tummidihatti Barrage across the Pranahita River from 148 meters to 152 meters, making it clear that the project should not adversely affect Maharashtra or its people.

In a meeting with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in Mumbai on Monday, Mr. Fadnavis proposed setting up a joint committee headed by the principal secretaries of the irrigation departments of the two states to examine the technical feasibility of the proposal, water availability, implications of submergence and other related issues.

What will be assessed?

The committee will assess the likely impact on farmland and local communities, compensation requirements and possible alternatives before preparing a timetable and plan for further action. The Central Water Commission (CWC) will continue the technical investigation within its jurisdiction.

Why a dam at 152 meters?

Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy made a detailed presentation explaining why a 152-metre dam would be more viable than the 148-metre height envisaged in the 2016 agreement. He cited the need to maximize gravity transport of water in light of rising energy costs, energy requirements, environmental concerns, climate change and long-term operational sustainability.

Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy also expressed the Telangana government’s willingness to compensate farmers in Maharashtra whose agricultural land might be affected by submergence, as per the state’s land acquisition guidelines and compensation policy.

For irrigation and drinking water in Adilabad

Mr. Revanth Reddy highlighted the long-standing demand for irrigation and drinking water facilities in the tribal-dominated and economically backward region of Adilabad. He said the project is important not only as an irrigation initiative but also as a tool for the social and economic transformation of communities that have remained without development opportunities for decades.

The Chief Minister recalled the historic ‘Jal, Jangal, Zameen’ struggle led by tribal leader Kumram Bheem and highlighted the aspirations of the Adivasi communities for access to water and improved livelihoods. He pointed out that efforts to provide irrigation to the region have been ongoing since October 6, 1975, but the aspirations of his people have remained largely unfulfilled despite several initiatives over five decades.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Telangana and Maharashtra, including their common heritage associated with the erstwhile state of Hyderabad. According to him, cooperation on the barrage will strengthen relations between the two states and contribute to the development of underdeveloped regions on both sides of the border.

Referring to the proposed defense and civil airport facilities in Adilabad, he said the infrastructure could act as a catalyst for development in the region and adjoining areas of Maharashtra. The barrage, he added, could also boost connectivity and economic cooperation between communities along the interstate border.

Responding to the Telangana delegation, Mr. Fadnavis acknowledged the development needs of the region and expressed willingness to reconsider the request subject to completion of necessary technical, environmental and administrative assessments.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 15:08 IST