HYDERABAD: In a major boost to the proposed Pranahita-Chevella project, the Maharashtra government has given its consent for the construction of a barrage with a full reservoir level (FRL) of 152 metres, as requested by the Telangana government.
The construction of the barrage with 152 metres FRL is crucial to divert 22,000 cusecs of water from Pranahita river to Yellampalli project. As the FRL of Yellampalli project is 148 FRL, the barrage to be constructed to draw Pranahita waters should have 152 FRL, for free flow of waters.
In July this year, irrigation minister T Harish Rao called on his Maharashtra counterpart in Mumbai. Later, the talks continued with the Maharashtra government at chief engineers’ level.
‘’Maharashtra gave its consent in-principle for the construction of the barrage with 152 metres FRL, as demanded by the state government,” official sources in Telangana irrigation told Express on Thursday.
Initially, Maharashtra opposed for 152 metres FRL. Now, they conceded the demand of the state, which was very essential for diverting 22,000 cusecs water from Pranahita for construction of Pranahita-Chevella project.
According to official sources, Pune-based Central Water and Power Research Station submitted a report to the Maharashtra government and based on the report the Maharashtra government have its nod for construction of the barrage.
‘’Currently a study has been going on to find out the number of villages that submerge in Chandrapur and Wardha districts under the proposed barrage. Once, the villages are notified, the Maharashtra government will conduct a public hearing, for which the Telangana government will give funds and also for relief and rehabilitation package,” sources said.
Sources said that 22,000 cusecs water from the barrage to be constructed in Maharashtra will be transferred to Yellampalli project already constructed across the Godavari.
Maharashtra will also benefit from the proposed barrage, as it can draw water from the left bank of the barrage for irrigation and drinking water needs.
Officials in Delhi: Meanwhile, Telangana chief engineer Hariram and superintending engineer Venkateswarlu are currently in Delhi to pursue forest, environmental and tribal clearances for Pranahita-Chevella project to accord national project status to Pranahita-Chevella.