Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Telangana Seeks Maharashtra Nod For Lift-Free Tummidihatti Water Transfer
Telangana wants to build a barrage at Tummidihatti near the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.
It is asking Maharashtra to allow the water level to reach 152 metres.
A lower level of 148 metres had been agreed upon in 2016.
Telangana says the higher level would let water flow naturally to the Sundilla barrage.
This would avoid using large amounts of electricity to lift the water.
Telangana says it could then increase its yearly water drawal from 43 tmcft to 80 tmcft.
The higher level would submerge more land, but officials said no villages would be affected.
Maharashtra is considering the proposal, with the Central Water Commission helping the two states discuss it.
Telangana has asked Maharashtra to approve a Tummidihatti barrage with a full reservoir level of 152 metres, instead of the 148-metre level agreed in 2016.
The higher level could raise Telangana’s annual water drawal from 43 tmcft to 80 tmcft, according to Telangana, without affecting Maharashtra’s water rights.
Telangana plans to move water to the Sundilla barrage by gravity through two canals and a tunnel, avoiding energy-intensive lifting.
The proposed 152-metre level would submerge about 3,875 acres, but Telangana said no villages would be affected.
The project is estimated to cost around Rs 12,300 crore, with final designs and costs dependent on Maharashtra’s decision.
- Who
- The Telangana and Maharashtra governments, with the Central Water Commission facilitating discussions.
- What
- Telangana is seeking approval for a 152-metre Tummidihatti barrage to transfer water by gravity to the Sundilla barrage.
- When
- The proposal was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday; the 148-metre level was previously agreed in 2016.
- Where
- The proposed barrage would be at the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers, with water conveyed to Sundilla in Telangana.
- Why
- Telangana says the higher reservoir level would enable lift-free water transfer, increase its annual drawal, and avoid energy-intensive pumping.
Telangana’s Proposal
Maharashtra’s Concerns
Barrage height
Telangana’s Proposal
Telangana wants a 152-metre full reservoir level because it would allow water to flow by gravity to Sundilla and nearly double its annual drawal.
Maharashtra’s Concerns
Maharashtra must decide whether to accept the higher level or seek a reduction to limit submergence in its territory.
Land submergence
Telangana’s Proposal
Telangana said no villages would be affected at 152 metres and presented land-submergence details for each one-metre increase from 148 to 152 metres.
Maharashtra’s Concerns
Maharashtra has concerns about possible submergence; the submerged area would rise from 1,506 acres under the earlier proposal to 3,875 acres at 152 metres.
Water transfer method
Telangana’s Proposal
Telangana favors canals and a tunnel connecting Tummidihatti to Sundilla, avoiding energy-intensive lifting.
Maharashtra’s Concerns
A lower barrage level could limit submergence but may require Telangana to revise the proposed conveyance arrangement and project design.
- Requested reservoir level
- 152 metres full reservoir level
- Previously agreed level
- 148 metres, agreed in 2016
- Potential annual drawal
- Increase from 43 tmcft to 80 tmcft, according to Telangana
- Proposed conveyance route
- A 77-km gravity canal, a 20.9-km tunnel, and an 8.25-km gravity canal
- Estimated project cost
- Around Rs 12,300 crore
- Land submerged at 152 metres
- About 3,875 acres, including 2,156 acres of riverbed and 545 acres associated with the sanctuary
- Inter-state facilitator
- Central Water Commission