Telangana Accuses Andhra Pradesh of Overdrawing Tungabhadra Water

Quick Summary

• Telangana has submitted claims to the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal (KWDT-II), citing that Andhra Pradesh is overdrawing Tungabhadra river water, which affects the Krishna river’s flow into Srisailam reservoir downstream.
• The submission was part of final arguments in New Delhi concerning water re-distribution from the combined allocation of 811 tmc ft for undivided Andhra Pradesh.
• Telangana’s senior counsel C.S. Vaidyanathan argued that KWDT-I restricted Andhra Pradesh’s utilisation of Tungabhadra Right Bank Low Level Canal (LLC) to 29.5 tmc ft, including evaporation losses (5.5 tmc ft).
• Telangana contended that Andhra Pradesh has been over-utilising water via Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme and Guru Raghavendra Lift Irrigation Scheme beyond realistic crop water requirements, estimated at 17.41 tmc ft scientifically, leaving potential savings of 6.59 tmc ft.
• Telangana requested these savings be allocated to in-basin projects within its territory.

indian Opinion Analysis

The dispute over Tungabhadra and Krishna river allocations highlights long-standing interstate issues regarding shared water resources between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana post-bifurcation. Telangana’s insistence on scientific calculations underscores its attempt to secure equitable resource distribution and address regional developmental priorities. Additionally, if proven accurate, claims about overdrawn waters could bring renewed focus on implementing stricter tribunal regulations for sustainable management across states.

by emphasizing reliable estimates for crop water requirements alongside historical agreements under KWDT-I, this case could set precedence for balancing agricultural need wiht equitable rights-a concern particularly important given India’s vulnerability to inter-state freshwater conflicts amidst growing demand.Read More: Published – july 24, 2025 10:07 pm IST