The Revanth Reddy Fadnavis meeting is under way in Mumbai today. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is leading his state’s team in talks with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The two sides are meeting at the Sahyadri State Guest House.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy is part of the Telangana delegation. In addition, the chief secretaries of both states and senior irrigation officials are present. Together, they are discussing the Tummidihatti project, which needs clearance from both governments.
The main issue is the height of the barrage. Telangana wants a Full Reservoir Level of 152 metres. At that height, water would flow to the Yellampalli project by gravity. As a result, the state would save on electricity and pumping costs.
Maharashtra, however, had earlier agreed only to about 148 metres. The state has raised concerns about villages that could go under water. For this reason, the project has been stuck for some time.
Telangana has come prepared. Before leaving Hyderabad, Revanth Reddy asked officials for technical reports on water availability, barrage height and the land that submergence could affect in Maharashtra. He is expected to present these studies at the meeting.
The barrage on the Pranahita river is meant to revive the stalled Pranahita-Chevella scheme. Telangana says it is vital for irrigation, farmers and drinking water in the north of the state.
No outcome has been announced so far. Therefore, the next step depends on whether Maharashtra agrees to move from its 148-metre position. We will update this story when official details come in.
