Hyderabad: The Telangana govt will initiate a dialogue with the Maharashtra govt to resolve the outstanding issues and take up the construction of a barrage at Tummidihatti as part of the Pranahita-Chevella project.Chief minister A Revanth Reddy instructed the irrigation officials to start preparations to hold talks with Maharashtra, seeking permission to construct the barrage at a height of 150 metres.At a high-level meeting at MCRHRD Institute, the officials and irrigation 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.The authorities said that Maharashtra already agreed to the construction of 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.In the PowerPoint presentation, the officials brought to the attention of the CM key aspects such as the optimal height for constructing the Tummidihatti barrage and the volume of water that could be utilised based on different construction heights.The irrigation officials also apprised the CM that the govt spent approximately 11,000 crore on the Pranahita-Chevella project, and canal construction has been completed in several areas. Also, 71.5 km of canal work has already been executed.CM Revanth Reddy stressed that the construction of the barrage at 150 metres height would not significantly affect the submergence of areas in Maharashtra and also assured that the govt is ready to provide compensation to the displaced.The barrage would ensure the availability of water for both irrigation and drinking needs in the upland regions of Telangana, including Adilabad. The CM emphasised that the barrage should facilitate water flows to Sripada Yellampalli Reservoir via gravity flow at a minimal cost.In view of the BJP govt in Maharashtra, CM Revanth instructed minister Uttam Kumar Reddy to immediately write a letter to Kishan Reddy, requesting him to persuade the Maharashtra govt and safeguard Telangana interests.Reviewing the progress of the restoration of Medigadda, the Chief Minister ordered the officials to expedite the completion of the geo-testing operations for Medigadda barrage and complete the works before the start of the monsoon season.Earlier during the day, minister Uttam said four alternative alignment proposals for linking Tummidihatti with Yellampalli are under examination by the state govt. RV Associates and IIT Hyderabad, commissioned to study the options, have submitted their joint recommendations, which are now being scrutinised for feasibility, cost and efficiency.“The Congress govt is fully committed to the construction of the Pranahita-Chevella project in line with the promises made in its election manifesto. Each proposal is being examined in detail for its cost, advantages and disadvantages. A final decision will be taken after a review meeting with the CM in the evening,” Uttam said.He also directed the officials to expedite the restoration of Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram barrages. “All necessary tests must be completed before the onset of the monsoon. The Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) must be conducted every 1.5 metres. The permeability tests must be carried out every 3 metres. Even if the bore drilling taken up as part of the exercise hits rock, the holes must be drilled at least 5 metres deep. The coordination committee appointed for barrage restoration works should visit the sites immediately and fix a clear timeline,” he added.
