Telangana's Call For Fairness In Krishna River Water Sharing

Telangana is urging the Union government to swiftly address its concerns over Krishna River water sharing with Andhra Pradesh. The state seeks a resolution from the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-I (KWDT-II) to secure its rightful share. Telangana's irrigation minister, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, has called for intervention to prevent Andhra Pradesh from diverting water from the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar Dams.

During the All India State Water Ministers' Conference in Udaipur on February 18, Uttam Reddy highlighted the need for telemetry instruments to monitor water usage. He also requested that the Union government cover the costs of desilting and de-sedimentation of irrigation projects in Telangana, similar to support provided to other states.

Water Allocation Concerns

The current allocation ratio of 66:34 between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is under scrutiny. Telangana demands an equal 50:50 share while awaiting the KWDT-II decision. The state argues that Andhra Pradesh is drawing excess water, impacting Telangana's supply, especially with forecasts of a scorching summer ahead.

The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has allocated 131 tmcft of water to Telangana and 27 tmcft to Andhra Pradesh for the 2024-25 water year. However, using these allocations requires maintaining minimum drawdown levels at Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar Dams, which currently hold 94 tmcft above these levels.

Telemetry Devices and Transparency

Andhra Pradesh opposes telemetry devices, raising concerns about its water usage transparency. Telangana officials note Andhra Pradesh's reluctance to share costs for these devices. Revanth Reddy suggested installing them at Telangana's expense to ensure accurate monitoring.

The KRMB figures show Andhra Pradesh has drawn 639.652 tmcft out of its total share of 666.688 tmcft this year, while Telangana has used 211.691 tmcft of its allocated 343/446 tmcft. Despite good rains last year increasing available water, the KRMB maintains the existing allocation ratio.

Union Government's Assurance

Union Jal Shakti minister C.R. Patil assured Uttam Kumar Reddy that the Union government will address Telangana's concerns over river water sharing. Patil agreed on installing telemetry systems at key points on the Krishna River under Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar reservoirs for real-time data and transparency.

The KRMB was established under the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act, 2014, making ad hoc water distributions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana based on command area extent. The board has met multiple times since 2015, with ongoing discussions about revising allocations annually.

Challenges Ahead

A delay in resolving reallocation issues by KWDT-II adds to worries about potential shortages this summer. The original allocation of 811 tmcft by KWDT in 1976 was split between Telugu states after Andhra Pradesh's reorganisation in 2014 as a temporary measure pending tribunal decisions.

The ongoing dispute underscores the need for timely intervention and equitable distribution of Krishna River waters between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to prevent future conflicts and ensure sustainable resource management.