HYDERABAD: Telangana has proposed the construction of a barrage downstream of the Narayanapura dam on the Krishna river as part of a joint initiative with Karnataka. The project aims to address drinking water requirements and support existing lift irrigation schemes in both states.
Meeting Between State Ministers
The proposal was discussed on Monday during a meeting between Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and Karnataka Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju. The meeting was also attended by Raichur MP G Kumar Naik and Telangana ministers Vakiti Srihari and Jupally Krishna Rao at the secretariat. Minister Uttam Reddy presented a detailed overview of the project and its potential benefits.
Identified Locations for the Barrage
The Telangana government has identified three possible locations downstream of the Narayanapura spillway: near Shaktinagar bridge, near Ganjapalli village, and near Koratakunda village. The proposed barrage is intended to supply drinking water to nearby villages and create storage for use by both states. Officials stated that Koratakunda emerged as the most suitable site after technical and economic studies. The proposed structure is capable of storing one tmcft of water at a full reservoir level (FRL) of 332 metres.
Technical Details and Coordination
Uttam Reddy explained to Karnataka officials that the FRL of the proposed barrage is set so that it does not interfere with the FRL of any existing upstream barrage. The Gurjapur barrage, located approximately 10 to 15 km upstream, has an FRL of 336 metres. The minister described the discussions as positive and focused on better utilization of Krishna waters for agriculture and drinking purposes.
Both governments are expected to reach an agreement to protect mutual interests and benefit the people of both states. Uttam Reddy emphasized that a permanent solution to the drinking water problem through interstate coordination has been presented to Karnataka.
