Tummidihatti barrage dispute: CM Revanth to meet Maharashtra counterpart to resolve issue

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to meet his Maharashtra counterpart, Devendra Fadnavis, to resolve the long-pending issue of the Tummidihatti barrage under the revived Pranahita-Chevella project.

Telangana has sought clearance for a 152-metre barrage, while Maharashtra has agreed to 148 metres, he added.

“We are working on a via media at 149–150 metres. This will irrigate 1.5–2 lakh acres in Adilabad,” the Chief Minister said, and added that water for Chevella, Vikarabad, Tandur, Parigi, and Kodangal would be supplied from Mallannasagar.

Godavari Phase-II & III foundation laid

Earlier in the day, Revanth laid the foundation stone for the Rs 7,360 crore Godavari Drinking Water Supply Project (GDWSP) Phase II and III at Gandipet.

The project will draw an additional 20 tmcft of water from Mallannasagar, 17.5 tmcft for Hyderabad’s drinking water needs, and 2.5 tmcft to fill Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, and seven en route water bodies.

“This is a historic milestone in securing Hyderabad’s water future and rejuvenating the Musi River. The project will be completed no matter what obstacles come in the way,” he assured.

Focus on Musi Rejuvenation

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to cleansing the polluted Musi. “If Ganga, Yamuna, and Sabarmati rivers can be rejuvenated, why not the Musi? Why did the previous government remain silent for 10 years?” he asked.

He also faulted the Union government for failing to allocate funds for the project, despite extending support to river rejuvenation works elsewhere.

Criticism of BRS

Revanth Reddy also accused the BRS of scrapping the Pranahita-Chevella project due to “political greed,” which, he said, deprived farmers in Chevella, Tandur, and Parigi of irrigation.

He also alleged that the Rangareddy district was neglected. “Symbolic acts like sprinkling Godavari water on their heads cannot erase their failures,” he remarked.

Congress legacy in water supply

Revanth highlighted the Congress track record in addressing Hyderabad’s water needs, from bringing Manjira waters in 1965 to Krishna in 2002, and Godavari Phase-I thereafter.

“Only after Congress returned to power could Phases II and III of the Godavari scheme move forward,” he said, adding that the Telangana Rising – Vision 2047 document will be unveiled on December 9.

‘Indiramma Rajyam’ assurance

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said, “This is Indiramma Rajyam, a people’s government. Justice will be ensured for the poor, and no conspiracy can derail our resolve.”

Trumpet Interchange inaugurated at Kokapet

Revanth Reddy also inaugurated the Trumpet Interchange at Kokapet Neopolis Layout on the Outer Ring Road (Exit 1A). Developed by HMDA, it is the 22nd interchange on the ORR and features four 10.5-metre-wide ramps designed for 40 kmph.

Officials said the project would ease traffic between Patancheru, Gachibowli, Shamshabad, and Kokapet, especially with Kokapet Layout expected to generate nine million sq ft of office and multipurpose space.

Ministers D. Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, and G. Vivek Venkatswamy accompanied the Chief Minister at the inauguration.