Telangana, Karnataka Projects on Krishna Will Impact Andhra’s Interests: MLA Somireddy

Swift Summary

• The Karnataka Cabinet recently passed a resolution to raise the height of the Almatti Dam from 519 feet to 524 feet to utilize an additional 130 tmcft of Krishna river water.
• Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy expressed concerns about the potential impact on Andhra Pradesh’s share of Krishna river water, urging the State government to investigate and safeguard its rightful allocation as per norms outlined by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
• Karnataka reportedly plans to invest ₹70,000 crore for enhancing dam height and acquiring land for this project.
• Telangana has prepared Detailed Project reports (DPRs) for 16 Krishna river projects aiming to use 150 tmcft, raising further apprehensions about Andhra Pradesh’s share over the next three years.
• Deputy Speaker K. raghu Ramakrishna Raju highlighted that such developments could deprive Andhra pradesh of its allocated Krishna waters and called for urgent government action.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The proposed increase in Almatti Dam’s height by Karnataka and water utilization plans by telangana signify intensifying inter-state disputes over access to Krishna river resources. These actions could potentially affect Andhra Pradesh’s allocated share under existing agreements like those set forth by the Krishna Water disputes Tribunal. With significant financial investments planned-a reported ₹70,000 crore in Karnataka-these projects demonstrate long-term ambitions by both neighboring states but concurrently pose challenges regarding equitable resource distribution.For andhra Pradesh, safeguarding rights through proactive measures appears crucial as delayed responses may lead to irreversible changes in allocations that could harm irrigation and drinking water needs across affected regions. Strengthened dialog between states alongside adherence to established legal frameworks will likely be central in avoiding prolonged conflicts while protecting collective interests within India’s federal structure.Read More: The Hindu