The Tummidihatti Irrigation Project, vital to Telangana’s drinking and irrigation water needs and the development of backward tribal regions, was the focus of discussions between a delegation led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy and Hon’ble Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis at Sahyadri Government Guest House in Mumbai. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Chief Secretaries of both states and senior irrigation officials attended.
During my presentation, I highlighted the historical and cultural heritage of the erstwhile Adilabad district, its economic backwardness and the hardships faced by tribal and Adivasi communities. Recalling the October 6, 1975 agreement between then Chief Ministers Jalagam Vengala Rao and S. B. Chavan, I noted that five decades of efforts had yielded limited progress.
🔹 Further, I emphasised that the 2016 agreement fixed the barrage height at 148 metres, which would not fully meet Telangana’s water needs. Considering electricity demand, energy costs, environmental protection, climate change and operational expenses, he proposed a 152-metre barrage to enable gravity-based water conveyance and improve technical and economic viability. Telangana also offered compensation for agricultural land submerged in Maharashtra according to that state’s laws and policy.
🔹 Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two states, recalling Komaram Bheem’s 'Jal, Jungle, Zameen' struggle and the decades-long demand for water in Adilabad’s tribal regions. The Chief Minister urged joint efforts to develop backward areas and improve tribal livelihoods.
🔹 Highlighting Adilabad’s national defence and strategic importance, the Chief Minister said the proposed defence and civilian airport could boost development and connectivity in Adilabad and Maharashtra’s border regions. CM Revanth Reddy described the barrage as both an irrigation project and a bridge connecting the two states, urging Maharashtra’s cooperation.
🔹 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded positively, recalling close ties with Telangana and his special association with the Adilabad border region. Shri Fadnavis expressed willingness to reconsider the proposed increase in barrage height, provided Maharashtra and its people faced no adverse impact, subject to technical, environmental and administrative assessments.
🔹 Shri Fadnavis proposed a committee led by the Principal Secretaries of both states’ Irrigation Departments to examine barrage height, water availability, submergence, affected land, compensation and technical issues. The committee would compare estimates, explore alternatives, consult experts, set timelines and prepare an action plan. The Central Water Commission (CWC) would also conduct studies within its purview.
🔹 Both Chief Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensive development, particularly in backward regions, and to improving the social and economic well-being of tribal communities, Adivasis and other disadvantaged sections through cooperation.
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