High-stakes KWDT-II hearings on Krishna water sharing set to begin

The KWDT-II hearings on Krishna River water sharing between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh begin on September 23 in New Delhi. Telangana demands a larger share citing catchment area, while Andhra Pradesh defends its allocation under older agreements

Hyderabad: The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) begins the critical phase of hearings in New Delhi from September 23 to decide the sharing of Krishna River waters between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The issue, rooted in the 2014 bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh, will shape water access for irrigation and drinking needs in Telangana. The hearings could mark a turning point or reignite tensions in a decades-long dispute.

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The bone of contention is 811 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of Krishna River water to be shared between the two States.

Telangana demands a larger share of 904 TMC, citing its 68.5% control of the river’s catchment area and historical inequities under past agreements. Andhra Pradesh, defending its current allocation of 512 TMC against Telangana’s 299 TMC, insists on maintaining older arrangements.

The outcome will affect water security for drought-prone districts like Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy and Nalgonda in Telangana. The State has prepared an experienced team of legal experts and technical advisors who have handled the issue from the start.

In a recent strategy session in Hyderabad, officials reviewed the case using data on crop requirements and Andhra Pradesh’s overuse of water. The Krishna water dispute traces back to 1976, when KWDT-I allocated shares among undivided Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The 2014 division of Andhra Pradesh triggered fresh tensions, with Andhra Pradesh challenging KWDT-II rulings between 2010 and 2023. Now, with 40 critical issues under consideration, the tribunal is expected to deliver its verdict under the 1956 water-sharing law.

For Telangana, a favourable ruling could transform drought-prone areas, ensuring water for farming, drinking and industry. For Andhra Pradesh, keeping its share is vital for agriculture. Both States are preparing for a crucial legal battle, and the September hearings could either pave the way for equitable water sharing or escalate interstate water tensions.