The long-standing water-sharing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has taken a new turn, with Andhra Pradesh rejecting Telangana’s demand for a 50:50 share of Krishna River water. Currently, the two states share the river’s water based on a 66:34 ratio, as per the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-I (KWDT-I), where Andhra Pradesh receives 66% and Telangana receives 34%.
Telangana has argued that the current water allocation is insufficient to meet its growing needs, particularly as the state continues to develop. During a recent meeting of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), Telangana officials called for a more equitable share, proposing a 50:50 split as an interim solution until a final decision is made.
However, Andhra Pradesh has insisted that the existing arrangement should remain in place, citing the Bachawat Tribunal’s allocation of 811 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water. Under this agreement, Andhra Pradesh receives 512 tmc ft, while Telangana is allocated 299 tmc ft. Andhra Pradesh’s leaders have stated that changing the ratio would result in a loss of 105 tmc ft, which could severely affect many important water projects in the state.
In an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict, the Krishna River Management Board has proposed the formation of a three-member committee to address the issue. The KRMB has assured both states that any decisions made will take into account the water needs of both parties.
As tensions rise, the dispute over Krishna River water-sharing remains unresolved. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have firmly held their positions, and the outcome of this ongoing conflict will be critical for future water distribution and the sustainability of key projects in both states.
