Centre Forms Panel on Telangana-Andhra Water Dispute

Why in the News ?

The Union Government has decided to form a high-level technical committee to address disputes related to the Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) and other inter-state water issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, following a high-level meeting in Delhi. This move aims to resolve the ongoing inter-state water dispute between the two states, particularly focusing on the Polavaram dam and associated water transfer systems.

Centre’s Intervention in Water Dispute:

● The Union Jal Shakti Minister, C.R. Patil, chaired a meeting with Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including A Revanth Reddy and representatives of former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s government.

● A decision was taken to establish a technical committee comprising officials and experts from the Centre and both States to be formed within a week’s time.

● The committee will address pending issues related to water sharing, especially the PBLP, which includes the Polavaram reservoir, Bollapalli reservoir, and Banakacherla regulator.

● The objective is to ensure equitable and technically viable water-sharing solutions, particularly for drought-prone regions in both states.

● Emphasis was laid on collaborative assessment to overcome regional water disputes effectively through improved river basin management.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

● Both states agreed to install telemetry devices for real-time monitoring of water flows in the Krishna Basin, enhancing transparency in river water allocation.

● Maintenance and safety measures for the Srisailam Dam will be initiated promptly, considering its crucial role in the water transfer system.

● A mutual decision was made to shift the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) office to Vijayawada/Amravati to facilitate better coordination.

● The newly formed committee will provide recommendations based on ground assessments, including the evaluation of lift irrigation systems.

● Discussions also focused on improving transparency and accountability in water distribution, addressing concerns raised by both Telangana Water Resources Minister and Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu.