Hyderabad: A new conflict has arisen between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the Banakacharla project. In response, Telangana is accelerating the delayed Tummidihetti project to counter Andhra Pradesh’s efforts on the Godavari-Banakacharla project.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy led a team that discussed this plan with Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Thursday. A report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) confirms enough water is available for Tummidihetti on the Godavari River. Telangana’s irrigation department wants to use 180 TMC of water by building the Tummidihetti project. Officials are preparing a new detailed project report (DPR) to submit to the central government soon. The previous government had already sent a DPR to the CWS in May 2023, before state elections. This project aims to set up a barrage on the Pranahita River, a Godavari tributary, in Tummidihetti village, Adilabad district, to irrigate 2 lakh acres in the area.
After a change in government, the Congress announced plans to revive the Pranahita–Chevella project with a new barrage at Tummidihetti. The state aims to use over 180 TMC of water from this project, helping Telangana maximize its use of Godavari water. With Andhra Pradesh speeding up the Banakacharla approval and central support evident, Telangana seeks similar backing for Tummidihetti. Officials stress that Telangana wants fair treatment and support from the center, like Banakacharla received.
If the center does not approve Tummidihetti, Telangana plans to highlight the central government’s inconsistent approach to its projects. The Chief Minister is determined to make Tummidihetti a significant issue and secure federal support. Once approved, the long-abandoned Pranahita-Chevella project could be revived. Officials expect to submit the updated DPR to the center within two to three months.
