Telangana to file rejoinder to Andhra Pradesh’s contentions before KWDT-2

Brijesh Kumar Tribunal's decision will play key role in determining future allocation of water resources between the two States

Hyderabad: The Krishna river water dispute resolution process involving the two Telugu States is entering a critical phase as Telangana prepares to file a rejoinder before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal.

The rejoinder will address the contentions made by Andhra Pradesh and seek a resolution to the longstanding water allocation issues.

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With oral submissions in the current reference now closed, both States are gearing up for final arguments that are due.

The tribunal’s decision will play a role in determining the future allocation of water resources between the two States.

The reference under Section 89 of the APRA commenced soon after the bifurcation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.

Besides submitting extensive evidence, both States have sufficiently vindicated their stands.

Six witnesses representing the two sides were examined thoroughly.

The tribunal, in a recent order, clarified that the process of oral evidence is closed.

The cross-examination of Anil Kumar Goyal, a witness on behalf of Andhra Pradesh, has concluded, and no other witnesses will be examined by either party, thus indicating that it has completed most of its work and is heading towards the final proceedings.

Telangana’s application seeks to use the substantial pleadings, evidence and documents filed in both references by the States concerned as a common record for adjudication.

The State argues that this will aid in the determination of issues, avoid duplication and ensure a fair adjudication process.

The plea emphasises that the issues framed under Section 89 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (APRA) have corresponding issues in the current reference.

But Andhra Pradesh has opposed Telangana’s plea, arguing that the new Terms of Reference (ToR) and tribunal are unnecessary since previous agreements on water sharing among Krishna river riparian States already exist.

Telangana argues that the issues framed under Section 89 of the APRA are relevant to the current reference and should be considered together to aid in the determination of issues.