No assurance from Maharashtra on Tummidihatti barrage height, Telangana presses for 152 metres

Telangana pressed Maharashtra to reconsider the 2016 agreement on the Tummidihatti barrage and accept a height of 152 metres. Maharashtra reportedly sought detailed studies before responding, while Telangana offered compensation for land that could be submerged in Maharashtra.

Hyderabad: Telangana received no assurance from Maharashtra during the fresh round of talks between Telangana and Maharashtra over the proposed Tummidihatti barrage on the Pranahita River, held in New Delhi on Tuesday. Telangana pressed Maharashtra to reconsider the 2016 agreement for a 148-metre barrage and accept a height of 152 metres.

In case of disagreement, Telangana sought consent for at least 150 metres to make it viable, as a 148-metre barrage would not yield the intended benefits.

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However, Maharashtra officials reportedly reiterated that they had no objection if the 148-metre height agreed upon in 2016 could be retained. They reportedly sought the detailed reports and studies submitted by Telangana and said they would examine them and consult their government before responding.

During the meeting chaired by Central Water Commission (CWC) chairman Anupam Prasad, Telangana officials presented studies on water availability, irrigation benefits and submergence at different heights. They also cited the pre-feasibility report and studies by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). The State explained that a higher barrage would improve water availability for the proposed Pranahita-Chevella command area and facilitate gravity-based transfer towards Sundilla barrage.

The Telangana officials also offered to provide appropriate compensation for land likely to be submerged in Maharashtra. The studies indicate that submergence could affect more than 1,150 acres in Maharashtra at 148 metres and up to about 2,500 acres at 152 metres.

The meeting marked the beginning of the fresh consultation process ordered by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. Another officials-level meeting is expected in the coming weeks, after which Ministerial-level discussions could follow.