The inauguration of the newly restored gates at the Tungabhadra Project in Hosapete, Karnataka, turned into a landmark event that highlighted cooperation among southern states on water management and farmers’ welfare. The ceremony brought together Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil along with the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
The leaders jointly inaugurated the newly restored gates of the dam. Union Minister C. R. Patil opened Gate No. 17. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar inaugurated Gate No. 18. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated Gate No. 19. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy formally opened Gate No. 20. The event reflected a united commitment to improving irrigation infrastructure and ensuring better water management across the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy described the gathering as a historic moment for resolving long-standing inter-state water disputes. He said the restoration of all 33 gates at the Tungabhadra Project was more than an engineering achievement. He called it an important step towards protecting the interests of farmers and strengthening cooperation between neighbouring states.
Revanth Reddy raised the issue of the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme and pointed out that Telangana currently receives only 5 to 6 TMC of water against its allocated share of 17.9 TMC. He said this shortfall has affected thousands of farmers in Gadwal, Alampur, and Palamuru. He also highlighted concerns about silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra reservoir and other pending water allocation issues. He said, these matters were discussed with Union Minister C. R. Patil and all sides agreed to work towards a permanent solution.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised Revanth Reddy’s commitment to protecting Telangana’s interests. He said he was impressed that the Telangana Chief Minister never compromises when it comes to safeguarding the state’s rights. Chandrababu Naidu also appreciated the development initiatives being carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said cooperative efforts between the Centre and the states would benefit millions of people.
Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said the presence of the leaders from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana reflected a historic spirit of unity. He said the three states had come together to create history for the benefit of farmers and to demonstrate the strength of southern India’s cooperation.
The Tungabhadra Dam gate restoration is a remarkable example of interstate cooperation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka replaced all 33 gates in just 123 days at a cost of ₹51 crore, securing the dam’s full 105 TMC storage capacity before the monsoon. This collaborative approach, respecting each state’s water rights, should become the model for resolving all inter-state river water disputes.
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