In a board meeting of Krishna River Water Management, it was decided that the Seemandhra people in Hyderabad can avail water from Andhra Pradesh.
After the bifurcation of the Telugu states, among the many questions raised, water occupies an important place. Though the bifurcation was done, until 10 years, as it was decided that Hyderabad will continue to be the capital for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Krishna River Water Management has decided that, Seemandhra People in Hyderabad, who are staying since years should be made avail the water from Andhra Pradesh.
Regarding this, out of the total assured water of 811 tmcft in the river for both States, Andhra Pradesh will get 512 tmcft and 299 tmcft to Telangana.
The board meeting at New Delhi under the aegis of Union Water Resources Ministry also notified that the share of water of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at Nagarjunasagar project will be 164 tmcft and 100 tmcft respectively.
As of now, decision on allocation of water from Srisailam project is not yet taken. The notification also said Prakasam barrage was allocated 181.2 tmcft for Krishna delta for the year.
Water releases monitored by Chief Engineers
However, the water releases from different projects will be monitored by a working group comprising the Chief Engineers of irrigation of both States. In view of the deficit monsoon forecast by India Meteorological Department, there is apprehension that, there would not be any change in the situation between the two States
regarding the allocation of water from Krishna River. Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam projects are even the major source of power generation for Telangana, in addition to the irrigation requirements.
The situation turned violent on Nagarjunasagar dam with the police of both the States clashing over lifting of sluice gates for release of water downstream. The issue subsided with the intervention of the Governor, who mediated talks between the Chief Ministers.
As the Telangana government laying foundation stones for two new projects Palamuru Ranga Reddy and Nakkalagandi lift irrigation schemes on Krishna, the latest decision regarding the allocation of water is assumed significance.
On the other side, the AP government is going ahead with Pattiseema project on Godavari to reduce the pressure on Krishna delta and ensure release of water to Rayalaseema. Cashing the situation, Telangana government has demanded compensation for diverting Godavari water to Krishna basin.
The meeting cited some hot discussions on the issue and it will continue to be so on Friday too.
By Phani
