The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) will meet on October 26 and 30, respectively, as deficient rainfall, weakening reservoir inflows and ongoing disputes intensify pressure on water management in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The meetings, originally scheduled for August and later postponed, will examine water sharing, reservoir operations and pending disagreements between the two states. The discussions will take place as available water must be managed across competing requirements, including irrigation, drinking water supply and power generation.
At the KRMB meeting on October 26, officials are expected to consider the distribution of Krishna river water, the operation of common projects, project approvals and complaints filed by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Reservoir levels, future requirements and water releases are also likely to be reviewed amid deficient rainfall and limited inflows.
The two states continue to hold different positions on the sharing of Krishna water. Andhra Pradesh is seeking a 66:34 sharing ratio, while Telangana is seeking a 70:30 arrangement. Telangana has argued that allocations should reflect its larger share of the Krishna basin. A recent meeting of a three-member committee did not produce a consensus on the issue.
The committee has, in principle, emphasised that drinking water requirements should receive priority and that the available storage should be regulated. The KRMB discussions are also expected to cover objections related to water utilisation, power generation and compliance with project norms.
Several other disputes remain pending. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have filed complaints against each other over projects on the Krishna and Godavari rivers. Questions over project approvals, the jurisdiction of the river boards and the implementation of operating guidelines are expected to feature in the discussions.
Telemetry equipment used to monitor water flows and utilisation is another item likely to receive attention. Some existing devices are reportedly malfunctioning, leading to demands for their replacement with modern equipment and for installations at additional locations. Reliable flow monitoring is linked to the boards’ ability to track releases and assess compliance with agreed operating arrangements.
The GRMB meeting on October 30 is expected to focus partly on the impact of backwater from the Polavaram project. Telangana has previously raised concerns about possible submergence and effects on upstream areas. The project authority had earlier indicated that the issue would be studied and that necessary measures would be taken.
Funding for the functioning of both river boards, including pending contributions from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is also likely to be discussed. Senior irrigation officials and engineers from the two states are expected to attend the meetings, which will determine the next round of discussions on water sharing, monitoring and project-related disputes.
