In a significant breakthrough, the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have agreed to form a joint committee to address and resolve the Krishna river water-sharing dispute that has persisted for over a decade since the bifurcation of the united Andhra Pradesh in 2014.

The consensus was reached during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi on July 16, 2025, in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. The meeting was attended by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Historical Dispute Over Krishna River Waters

The Krishna River, a crucial water source for both states, has been the centre of multiple disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, especially regarding the allocation of water, operation of projects, and jurisdiction of management boards.

Since Telangana’s formation in 2014, tensions have flared repeatedly over:

• Jurisdiction of Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)

• Construction and operation of lift irrigation projects like Rayalaseema and Palamuru-Rangareddy

• Water releases from Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar dams

The lack of a final tribunal award and clear sharing formula has resulted in repeated political and legal confrontations.

The July 16 Meeting: A Constructive Turn

During the July 16 dialogue, both Chief Ministers agreed to end the prolonged deadlock by setting up a joint inter-state committee. This committee will be tasked with:

• Reviewing historical water allocation agreements

• Examining tribunal recommendations (particularly KWDT-I & II)

• Consulting technical experts and central water institutions

• Recommending a mutually acceptable water-sharing formula

Union Minister CR Patil welcomed the decision and assured the Centre’s full support in facilitating cooperation between the states.

“This is a very positive step towards inter-state harmony. We hope both governments will cooperate in the spirit of federalism,” said Patil.

Banakacherla Head Regulator Project Deferred

Interestingly, Telangana refused to discuss the controversial Banakacherla Head Regulator project during this meeting. The state maintained that the project violates the current allocation limits and should not proceed without a broader consensus.

A.P. had placed the project on the agenda, but Telangana sought its exclusion, citing legal and ecological concerns.

The issue will likely be taken up separately once the committee framework is finalized, potentially under the supervision of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal or the Supreme Court, if required.

Committee Structure and Next Steps

The committee is expected to comprise:

• Senior officials from Irrigation Departments of both states

• Legal experts and hydrology specialists

• Representatives from the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti

• Possibly, former tribunal members or retired judges as neutral advisors

The first meeting of the committee is expected to take place by the end of July 2025, and will involve reviewing all pending issues from project approvals to water drawal patterns.

The Centre has urged both states to submit relevant documents and data before the meeting, to ensure an evidence-based, technical discussion, avoiding political friction.

Why This Decision Matters

This is the first time since 2016 that both states have agreed to a formal dispute resolution mechanism. Past efforts to negotiate water issues often fell through due to:

• Political rivalry

• Conflicting interpretations of water-sharing formulas

• Litigation at various legal forums

The formation of this committee signals a renewed commitment to cooperation, and may also set a precedent for resolving other inter-state water disputes, such as those between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery.

Impact on Farmers and Regional Stability

Millions of farmers in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are directly affected by how water from the Krishna River is distributed. The lack of clarity in water allocation impacts:

• Irrigation cycles and crop planning

• Drinking water supply to urban and rural areas

• Hydroelectric power generation and industrial use

With the monsoon already in full swing, timely and equitable release of Krishna waters will be critical for agricultural output in both states.

The newly formed committee’s work will be crucial to ensuring that disputes don’t translate into disruptions on the ground, especially during the upcoming kharif season.

Conclusion

The decision to form a committee marks a turning point in Telangana-Andhra Pradesh relations concerning water disputes. If implemented in good faith, it could resolve a long-pending conflict and bring relief to lakhs of stakeholders.

Both governments now have the opportunity to demonstrate statesmanship, collaboration, and mutual respect in resolving what has been one of post-bifurcation India’s most complex inter-state disputes.

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