KRMB panel defers decision on Krishna water use

The KRMB's three-member committee deferred a decision on the utilisation of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar waters, prioritising drinking water amid El Nino conditions. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh differed over water releases and Pothireddypadu utilisation, with another meeting scheduled on September 4

Hyderabad: The three-member committee of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) deferred a decision on the utilisation of water from the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects. In view of El Nino conditions, the committee decided that the available water should primarily be utilised for drinking water needs.

The panel is scheduled to meet again on September 4 to discuss drinking water requirements and the likely availability of water in the coming period.

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The meeting, chaired by KRMB Member Secretary Satish at Jalasoudha, was attended by Telangana Engineer-in-Chief (ENC) Ramesh Babu and Andhra Pradesh ENC Narasimha Murthy. The panel discussed the present water availability and drinking water requirements of both States.

According to officials, Telangana proposed that drinking water releases from Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar be maintained on a 50:50 basis. However, Andhra Pradesh sought 47 TMCft of water to meet its requirements until October, but Telangana opposed the demand. Andhra Pradesh also sought water for drinking needs in Palnadu and Rayalaseema.

Telangana raised objections to Andhra Pradesh’s utilisation of water through the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ramesh Babu alleged that the neighbouring State had already utilised 10 TMCft beyond its share and said Telangana had lodged a complaint with the KRMB.

However, Narasimha Murthy said Telangana had agreed to Andhra Pradesh utilising 22 TMCft through Pothireddypadu. He said the issue of water-sharing ratios was not discussed at Monday’s meeting.