In a significant development aimed at resolving long-pending disputes over river waters, the chief ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—A Revanth Reddy and N Chandrababu Naidu— agreed to set up a joint committee comprising officers and technical experts to address issues about the management of Krishna and Godavari rivers.
The decision was taken during a meeting convened by Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil in the national capital on Wednesday
Both States decided to constitute a committee within a week to examine all pending concerns, including water sharing, project repairs and telemetry installations. CM A Revanth stated that the committee’s recommendations will guide further actions.
“This meeting was not an apex committee meeting but a platform to initiate dialogue and resolve differences. Former CM KCR had surrendered Telangana’s rights to Andhra Pradesh. We are now rectifying those mistakes. The Centre acted as a facilitator today without taking sides,” CM Revanth said, addressing the media alongside irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy
In a major agreement, Andhra Pradesh accepted Telangana’s proposal to install telemetry systems across all major reservoirs and canals. These systems will help measure real-time water usage, addressing concerns over unaccounted withdrawals.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said, “The AP government has agreed to implement telemetry at all reservoirs and canals on a war footing. Even if the Centre does not fund it, Telangana will bear the costs to ensure transparency.”
Both sides agreed to undertake immediate repair works at the prestigious Srisailam project to protect its structural integrity and ensure uninterrupted water supply to both states.
During the meeting, the CMs decided that:
– The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) will be headquartered in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
– The Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) will remain in Hyderabad, Telangana.
These decisions are expected to streamline the operational jurisdiction of both boards.
AP Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, briefing the media separately, said the meeting was held in a ‘friendly and cooperative atmosphere’ focusing on the broader interests of Telugu people.
“This is a positive development. Both governments are committed to ensuring justice for their States under the spirit of ‘Telugu states, one people’,” he stated.
The Union Ministry may convene another meeting between the chief ministers or an apex committee meeting if necessary to finalise outstanding matters. Meanwhile, the newly formed officers’ committee has been directed to work swiftly without delays.
Reiterating Telangana’s stand, CM Revanth said, “Our agenda is to resolve issues, not to create conflicts. Some people want both states to fight, but we will focus only on solutions.”
