KRMB allocates 10 TMC to Telangana for water needs
In response to the escalating drinking water crisis in South India, the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has allocated 10.26 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to Telangana and four TMC to Andhra Pradesh.
The decision was taken after evaluating the critically low water levels in the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar reservoirs, which together held just 16.97 TMC as of mid-May. The allocation followed a meeting on May 5 convened by the KRMB’s three-member committee, attended by Telangana irrigation officials. Andhra Pradesh representatives were absent due to prior commitments. Based on the submissions, the board decided to release water from May 22 onwards, ensuring a flow of 5,500 cusecs through the Nagarjunasagar Project (NSP) right main canal until Andhra Pradesh receives its 4 TMC allocation.
A cushion of 2 TMC has been retained to manage any unforeseen drinking water needs until sufficient monsoon inflows resume. The KRMB emphasised that the water must be used judiciously and should preferably be routed through powerhouses to enable hydroelectric generation. The release order also instructed both state governments to maintain a minimum water level of 800 feet at the Srisailam reservoir until July 31. Meanwhile, to meet urgent demands, Nagarjunasagar’s water level will be allowed to fall to 505 feet—below its minimum drawdown level (MDDL) of 510 feet. The chief engineers of both states have been tasked with overseeing and jointly reporting the water usage to the KRMB. The board stressed accountability, stating that usage must strictly adhere to the intended purpose of meeting drinking water requirements.
With reservoir levels dangerously close to MDDL thresholds—10 TMC collectively—the board acknowledged that ideal conditions do not currently exist to fully serve both states. Yet, considering the urgency, these interim measures have been implemented to avert a deeper crisis.
