Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday instructed the officials to thoroughly prepare detailed plans and technical proposals for discussions with the Maharashtra state govt regarding the construction of the Tummidihatti barrage as part of the Pranahita-Chevella project.At a review meeting, Uttam told the irrigation engineers and officials to prepare plans by minimising the projected submergence in Maharashtra territory and Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary, which was possible if the height of the proposed dam at Tummidihatti was increased beyond limits.The Maharashtra govt previously agreed to a 148-metre height, and a balanced approach to construction with lower-cost, gravity-assisted flow where possible.Experts suggested that constructing the Tummidihatti barrage at a height of 150 metres would enable the utilisation of at least 100 tmcft of water and fulfil the interests of Telangana. Earlier, the Maharashtra state agreed to the barrage at a height of 148 metres. Engineering experts noted that building the barrage at 152 metres would result in more submergence in Maharashtra territory and hence the height of 150 metres would help to draw water at a lower cost.Uttam emphasised that all future decisions and communications must be backed by comprehensive study, technical merit and economic viability. “Officials should prepare complete documentation, alternative alignments, cost-benefit analyses and geo-technical details before venturing to talks with the Maharashtra govt,” he said.The original Pranahita-Chevella project, conceived under the Congress govt before the state bifurcation, envisioned a barrage at Tummidihatti on the Pranahita River (a Godavari tributary) to divert water primarily through gravity canals and minimal lifts to irrigate upland areas, including parts of Adilabad, and onward to regions like Ranga Reddy (Chevella tail-end areas) via the Yellampalli reservoir.It aimed to serve nearly 2.5 lakh acres in northern Telangana with lower operational costs, relying on a more natural flow after initial diversion.
