The dispute over the sharing of Krishna River water between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has reignited, and the River Management Board (KRMB) appears to be unable to offer a solution to the escalating issue.
During the last meeting of the board on May 10, both states were at odds over the water-sharing issue. In an attempt to find a resolution, the board sought the intervention of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to facilitate a solution formula. However, even after a month, no progress has been made, leaving Telangana uncertain about the board’s response.
As the new water year has already begun and the irrigation schedule needs to be notified in advance for the benefit of farmers in the joint projects of the Krishna basin, the Telangana government has reminded the board about the issue. The Engineer-in-Chief (General) C Muralidhar wrote to the KRMB chairman on May 31, requesting the matter to be referred to the Minister of Jal Shakti without delay, as assured during the board meeting. However, the board has not yet responded to the state.
On the other hand, the Principal Secretary (Water Resources) of Andhra Pradesh, Sashibushan Kumar, sent a letter to the KRMB chairman, disagreeing with the minutes of the board meeting regarding the water sharing issue. He advocated for the continuation of the ad hoc sharing pattern of a 64:36 ratio between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which was initially established for one year but has been continued for eight years.
Telangana, which has been dissatisfied with the ad hoc sharing arrangement for the past nine years, is rightfully demanding a 50% share. The Engineer-in-Chief (General) reminded in his letter that the board had decided to refer the matter to the Department of Water Resources for a decision by the Apex Council regarding the water sharing in the Krishna basin. However, no notification has been received from the KRMB regarding the matter being referred to the Government of India so far. The board has also not established an interim arrangement for sharing the river water for the Kharif season.
Meanwhile, before Telangana could request its water share for the season, Andhra Pradesh has already begun drawing water from the basin projects to meet its needs in the Krishna Delta.
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