Water Project Crisis on Maharashtra Border: Concerns Over Submergence of Villages and Chaprala Sanctuary if 152-Meter Height Allowed

Samir wankhede bureau chief;
The Telangana government is proposing to construct the 'Sujala Sravanthi' irrigation project worth ₹12,000 crore on the Pranhita River, which flows along the Maharashtra-Telangana border and adjacent to the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary. This project is intended to supply water to Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.

To build the dam at a proposed height of 152 meters, the official consent of the Maharashtra government is mandatory. In this regard, Telangana Chief Minister A.

Revanth Reddy, along with the Irrigation Minister, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek formal approval. Bitter Experience of the Medigatta Project
Earlier, when the Maharashtra government approved Telangana's Medigatta Project, the interests of farmers in Sironcha taluka of Gadchiroli district were allegedly ignored.

Local farmers suffered heavy losses and continue to face issues related to flooding and waterlogging. Chaprala Sanctuary and 3 Talukas Under Threat
Local residents and environmentalists fear that if the Maharashtra government grants permission for the 152-meter height, the following regions could face severe submergence:
* Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich flora and rare wildlife species in this area face the threat of submergence.

* Chamorshi and Aheri Talukas (Gadchiroli District): Several riverside villages and agricultural lands are at risk of being inundated. * Gondpipri Taluka (Chandrapur District): Multiple villages in this taluka of Chandrapur district face a serious threat of flooding.

Demand for Caution by the Government
The state government must consider the potential crisis facing Maharashtra's border villages and wildlife before making any final decision. Local residents warn that unless proper safety evaluations and scientific studies are conducted, nothing will stop these villages from being submerged and the villagers from being displaced.