Hyderabad: On Tuesday, State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the state is striving for a fair share of the Krishna River water. This is being presented before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II). The state is claiming nearly 70% of the water previously allocated to the old united Andhra Pradesh.
Minister Reddy explained that earlier allocations by KWDT-II awarded 1,005 TMC of Krishna water to united Andhra Pradesh. This included 811 TMC with a 75% dependability, 49 TMC at 65% dependability, and 145 TMC from average flows. Additionally, 45 TMC was from Godavari diversions, totaling 1,050 TMC. Out of this, Telangana should receive 763 TMC of dependable water and the chance to use any surplus.
He criticized Andhra Pradesh for using much of its 811 TMC allocation for projects outside the river basin. Telangana has urged the tribunal to stop Andhra Pradesh from this practice and suggested they use alternative water sources. Reddy insisted that the saved water should be redirected to Telangana’s drought-prone areas. “Our state deserves its rightful share while another state uses water outside the Krishna basin,” he insisted.
The minister also opposed Karnataka’s plan to raise the height of the Almatti dam. He warned that this would negatively impact Telangana. The state government plans to reinforce its case in the Supreme Court to challenge this proposal. “Telangana will not allow any actions that cut its share. We will take the matter to the Supreme Court to stop Karnataka from increasing the Almatti height,” he affirmed.
