Why is it in the news?

• The dispute over the sharing of Krishna River waters between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana resurfaced recently, with Andhra Pradesh taking control of its territory at the Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP) site.

 More about the news

• The water dispute stems from the 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, and the NSP on the Krishna River is a critical project serving the drinking water, irrigation, and power generation needs of both states.
• The NSP has a significant storage capacity of 045 thousand million cubic (tmc) ft at Full Reservoir Level (FRL) and influences the agricultural landscape and livelihoods of millions in both states.
• Contention points include Telangana’s alleged unauthorized control over the Left Power House of the Srisailam Dam, affecting water levels downstream, and control over the Right Head Sluice of NSP, denying access to Andhra Pradesh officials.
• Telangana’s unilateral withdrawal of water for power generation without adhering to allocated shares is a major concern, affecting planned water releases downstream.
• Despite committees like the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), disputes persist, and Telangana’s reluctance to hand over properties to KRMB creates operational hurdles.
• The recent takeover of NSP’s Right Main Canal by Andhra Pradesh is a response to Telangana’s alleged unauthorized actions and refusal to cooperate in transferring NSP properties to KRMB.
• Andhra Pradesh cites deficit rainfall in Krishna’s catchment areas, leading to a crop holiday in Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal command area, reserving water for drinking and domestic needs.
• An agreement in 2015 allocated 811 tmc ft by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-1, with 512 tmc ft for Andhra Pradesh and 299 tmc ft for Telangana.
• In 2021, the Ministry of Jal Shakti notified KRMB’s jurisdiction, placing the Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal head regulator under Andhra Pradesh’s control.
• Despite these agreements, Telangana is allegedly reluctant to hand over properties to KRMB, prompting Andhra Pradesh to call for swift and collaborative action to address concerns of both states.