Key Meetings on Water Disputes Between Telugu States

Two important meetings are scheduled next week to discuss ongoing river water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) will meet on October 26, followed by the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) meeting on October 30. The discussions are expected to focus on Krishna water allocation, project approvals, water utilisation and complaints raised by both states. Andhra Pradesh is seeking water sharing in a 66:34 ratio, while Telangana is demanding a 70:30 ratio, arguing that a larger portion of the Krishna river basin lies within its territory. No consensus was reached on the issue during the recent three-member committee meeting, making the upcoming KRMB meeting particularly significant.

The boards are also likely to review reservoir storage levels, future water requirements, drinking water priorities, irrigation supplies and power generation. Other issues expected to come up include the installation of telemetry devices to monitor water usage, replacement of non-functional equipment, project clearances and contributions from both states towards board expenses. The October 30 GRMB meeting may also revisit Telangana’s concerns regarding the backwater impact of the Polavaram project. Officials and engineers from both states are expected to participate in the meetings, which could play an important role in determining future water management and coordination between the two states.