Telangana Highlights Denial of Krishna Basin Gravity Flows to KWDT-II

Rapid summary

• Telangana presented arguments before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal (KWDT-II) in Hyderabad on Friday.
• Senior counsel C.S.Vaidyanathan highlighted how the Reorganisation of States in 1956 denied gravity flows, leading Telangana to rely heavily on lift irrigation schemes.
• Maps were used to show how improper portrayal by erstwhile Andhra Pradesh affected 174.3 tmc ft of gravity flows to Telangana areas.
• Ongoing projects discussed include Srisailam left Bank Canal (SLBC), kalwakruthy LIS, Nettempadu LIS, Dindi LIS, Palamuru-Rangareddy LIS – all under assured water category with 75% dependability.
• Past issues such as Almatti dam height proposal and reduction of irrigated area under Nagarjunasagar Left Canal were mentioned as adversely impacting water availability for Telangana.
• Telangana requested allocation of assured water for drought-prone and fluoride-affected regions without affecting usage downstream in Andhra Pradesh.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The presentations made by Telangana highlight enduring disputes rooted in historical reallocation during state reorganisation. By underscoring dependence on lift irrigation schemes due to denial of gravity flows-a costlier option-the counsel argued for fairer allocations under assured water categories. The issue extends not just to resource equity but also climate resilience, given the emphasis on addressing drought-prone areas and fluoride contamination.

Additionally, revisiting past decisions-like Almatti’s height proposal-points towards systemic gaps where states’ interests may have been misrepresented or overlooked historically. While pursuing its case firmly through data-driven arguments regarding project needs and dependability factors (e.g., Nagarjunasagar area reductions), Telangana stresses that equitable distribution can be achieved without undermining Andhra pradesh’s existing allocations. Such deliberations at KWDT-II could pave the way for more balanced basin-sharing agreements between riparian states.

Read More: Published – July 25, 2025