Krishna River water sharing: An ad hoc arrangement turns a perpetual bane for Telangana
The temporary water sharing arrangement began in June 2015, with Andhra Pradesh receiving 512 TMC and Telangana 298.98 TMC for the water year 2015-16. This arrangement was continued year after year, despite the initial intention for it to be temporary.
Hyderabad: The temporary arrangement for sharing Krishna River waters between Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana, initially meant as a short-term solution, has turned into a long-standing challenge. Telangana has repeatedly voiced concerns about the unfairness of the current system. The ad hoc arrangement that was being continued has put the state at disadvantage.
The temporary water sharing arrangement began in June 2015, with Andhra Pradesh receiving 512 TMC and Telangana 298.98 TMC for the water year 2015-16. This arrangement was continued year after year, despite the initial intention for it to be temporary. On June 19, 2015, the arrangement was established as a temporary measure.
The first Apex Council Meeting under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Water Resources allowed the arrangement to be continued further for 2016-17. Even in the subsequent years the ratio of 66:34 (AP:TS) was maintained with the KRMB meetings held in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 all upholding the arrangement.
Telangana has consistently argued that the temporary arrangement has effectively become permanent, leading to a serious issue involving potential loss of its water share. The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) have failed to hammer out a formula acceptable to both states.
One of the major issues for Telangana is the lack of adequate storage facilities, which hampers its ability to utilize its allotted share of water. This has added further to the injustice meted out to the state as it continued to lose to AP in terms of water usage.
In the latest meeting held on January 9, 2024, the Special Chief Secretary of Telangana reiterated the state’s demand for a fair share of 50:50. Telangana also suggested that a three-member committee be formed to prepare working arrangements based on the water requirements of both states in the absence of consensus.
The Board decided to refer the matter to the Apex Council for a decision and responded positively to the suggestion that a three-member committee could be formed to prepare a new working arrangement as needed to ensure a fair share to Telangana.
On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh has emphasized the necessity of continuing the existing arrangement for distributing water according to eligibility. As a result, nothing concrete could emerge out of the dispute resolution process and Telangana State continued to be at the receiving end.
The KRMB is scheduled to meet on January 21, 2025 to further discuss the water sharing issue. It remains to be seen whether this meeting will address the ongoing dispute and bring about a resolution.
Chronology of Krishna River Water Sharing arrangement
June 18-19, 2015: Temporary water sharing arrangement for 2015-16 agreed at 512 TMC for AP and 298.98 TMC for TS
September 21, 2016: 2015-16 arrangement continued for the water year 2016-17.
November 4, 2017: 7th meeting of the Board set the ratio at 66:34 (AP:TS) for 2017-18.
October 16, 2018: 9th meeting maintained the 66:34 ratio for 2018-19.
August 9, 2019: 10th meeting continued the 66:34 ratio for 2019-20.
June 4, 2020: 12th meeting maintained the 66:34 ratio for 2020-21.
September 1, 2021: 14th meeting continued the 66:34 ratio for 2021-22.
May 6, 2022: 16th meeting maintained the 66:34 ratio for 2022-23.
May 10, 2023: 17th meeting discussed the ratio for 2023-24; Telangana demanded a 50:50 ratio, but no solution was reached.
