AP, Telangana to Share Krishna Water in 63.13 : 36.86 Ratio

Of the available 811 tmc assured waters in Krishna, AP’s share is 512 tmc and that of TS is 299 tmc

A view of Krishna river out flow in 3.73 lakhs of cu-sec flood water. EPS

HYDERABAD: Rain or shine, the share of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in Krishna waters this year is 63.13 : 36.86.

After a two-day heated discussions, AP and Telangana states have agreed to share Krishna river waters this year in the ratio of 63.13 : 36.86. Officials of both the states have signed an agreement to this effect before the Union water ministry additional secretary Amrjit Singh in Delhi on Friday.

According to sources, of the available 811 tmc assured waters in Krishna, the share of AP is 512 tmc and that of Telangana is 299 tmc. Sharing in this ratio was nothing new as it was decided by the Bachawat Tribunal.

In case there were flood waters in Krishna that too would be shared in 63.13 and 36.86 share. The same rule would be applicable even in deficit waters and water was available less than the assured waters of 811 tmc.

“We have signed a letter of understanding to this effect,” an official who attended the meeting told Express over phone.

The Union water resources ministry convened the meeting for two days to pacify the warring TS and AP states over sharing of Krishna waters. The ministry constituted an ad hoc committee with chief engineer from the ministry and two Engineers-in-Chief of AP and TS.

The committee will oversee the release of waters for both the states. The proposal for release of waters should be placed before Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) from time to time and take the directive from the KRMB.

Officials of both the states said they reached an agreement on water sharing and adopted a six-point formula on key issues.

6-point Formula

•  AP and TS could use 512 tmc and 299 tmc respectively in 811 tmc of assured waters in Krishna. The ratio would be the same in case of excess or deficit waters over assured waters. Each state could draw their quota of water from anywhere. The water could be used for anywhere whether the project is legal or illegal one.
•  States should ensure that the other state is not affected while drawing water
•  While generating power at Srisailam project, the officials should keep the interests of SRBC, Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP) and Krishna Delta water needs in mind. Both the states have agreed to release water for Telugu Ganga.
•  The ad hoc committee to supervise   release of water for Rajoli Banda and K-C canal on Tungabhadra river. This is to ensure that AP will not draw excess water. The same committee to also oversee the release of water from Jurala.
•  The sharing of waters of 512 tmc and 299 tmc was for this year alone and this was in accordance of Bachawat Tribunal. As the cases for re-allotment of waters were pending before Brijesh Kumar Tribunal and in Supreme Court, the agreement reached today was only for this year.
•  The ad hoc committee to examine indent for water, actual availability in river and the usage of both the states.