Telangana, AP face fresh tensions over Krishna water share

Early water releases in the Krishna basin have reignited long-standing tensions between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Faulty telemetry systems, stalled irrigation projects, and continued overdrawals by AP are fuelling allegations of unfair water sharing despite tribunal rulings and central interventions

Hyderabad: Early water releases from the Krishna basin projects have raised hopes of a better Kharif season in Telangana, but they are also set to deepen the 11-year rift between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (AP) over water sharing. Despite a substantial water availability of 1,010 TMC for both states, Telangana’s allocation remained unfairly low during the last water year (2024–25).

With telemetry systems installed in the first phase giving faulty readings, fears persist that Telangana may once again receive a raw deal. The State got just 242 TMC (24%) last year—short of its provisional 34% share (299 TMC) from the 811 TMC allocated to the erstwhile united AP. Meanwhile, AP diverted 450 TMC (76%), largely through the Pothireddypadu head regulator and the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS), which draws 8 TMC daily from the Srisailam reservoir.

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The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), tasked with ensuring equitable distribution, is hampered by defective telemetry systems. Installed at 18 key sites, including Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, these systems were meant to enable real-time monitoring. A probe by the Central Water and Power Research Station revealed critical flaws, including the relocation of the Pothireddypadu unit 12.26 km downstream, rendering it ineffective.

The Congress-led Telangana government’s Rs 4.15 crore plan to install nine additional telemetry units has stalled, allowing AP’s overdrawals to continue unchecked.

The Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS), designed to irrigate 12.3 lakh acres and provide drinking water to 1,226 villages, remains incomplete. Although it is capable of utilising 90 TMC annually, the project was disrupted by the 2023 floods and the Central Water Commission’s rejection of its Detailed Project Report (DPR) in 2024, following AP’s objections.

This setback continues despite a favourable 2023 ruling by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II). After a July 2025 meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, the Telangana government termed the telemetry agreement a “breakthrough.” However, critics, including BRS leaders, argue this is mere posturing to mask failures in curbing AP’s unauthorised diversions.

Telangana’s demand for a 71% share (575 TMC), based on its 68.5% catchment area, remains compelling. Yet, without functional telemetry and progress on projects like PRLIS, AP’s dominance continues unchecked.