Notably, the meeting steered clear of discussions on the ongoing disputes over the Godavari–Banakacharla link project and the broader issue of inter-state water sharing.
Published Jul 16, 2025 | 10:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2025 | 10:24 PM
The decision was taken at a key meeting conveyed by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in Delhi
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Wednesday agreed to form a joint committee within a week to address unresolved issues over sharing the Krishna and Godavari river waters, at a meeting in Delhi convened by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. Notably, discussion of the Banakacharla project was sidestepped, while the Chief Ministers of both states agreed on a number of proposals, including the installation of telemetry devices to monitor water usage.
The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments have agreed to constitute a joint committee of officials and experts from both states within a week to study and recommend solutions to long-pending issues related to the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
The decision was taken at a key meeting conveyed by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil between the Chief Ministers of the two states, Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy, in New Delhi on Wednesday, 16 July.
Notably, the meeting steered clear of discussions on the ongoing disputes over the Godavari–Banakacharla link project and the broader issue of inter-state water sharing.
Among those present were Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, chief secretaries, and other senior officials from both states.
“The committee will be formed within a week and is expected to suggest a way forward within a month. The Chief Ministers will then step in to resolve the issues based on the committee’s recommendations,” Revanth Reddy said after the meeting.
Further, the meeting cleared three significant proposals:
Installation of telemetry devices: Both states agreed to install telemetry systems at canal off-take points on Krishna river projects to ensure transparency in water usage. Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who attended the meeting, said Telangana had offered to bear the entire cost of the devices to dispel any suspicions about overdrawal of water by either state.
Repairs to the Srisailam project: Andhra Pradesh agreed to carry out necessary repairs to the Srisailam project, based on recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority. Maintenance of the project lies under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh government.
Location of river boards: It was decided that the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) office will be located in Andhra Pradesh, while the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) will be based in Telangana.
This was the third such meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states since the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014, and the second attended by Chandrababu Naidu. It was Revanth Reddy’s first since becoming Telangana’s Chief Minister in 2023.
According to official sources, Telangana placed 13 issues on the agenda for discussion. These included:
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has reportedly proposed a single agenda – the Banakacharla link project.
However, Telangana had informed the Jal Shakti Ministry a day prior to the meeting that it was not prepared to discuss the Banakacharla project due to the absence of necessary clearances. As a result, the matter did not come up during the talks.
“The Banakacharla project was not part of the discussion, as Andhra Pradesh did not formally propose it during the meeting. Since there was no proposal to construct it, we had no reason to ask them to stop,” Revanth Reddy stated after the meeting.
“We believe in discussion, not conflict. If discussions don’t lead to a resolution, we will raise the issues in Parliament and, if necessary, take them to the streets.”
The Chief Minister also described the meeting as informal, not an official Apex Council meeting – intended to discuss contentious issues.
“The Union government acted as a facilitator, and the Jal Shakti Minister as an impartial mediator. We trust his sincerity. If we ever have doubts, we will inform the media,” he said.
Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the talks were held in a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust. Although no discussion took place on Banakacharla, Andhra Pradesh submitted a report detailing the project and its objectives.
According to the Andhra Pradesh government, the project aims to tap 200 TMC of surplus Godavari water – part of the estimated 3,000 TMC that flows unutilised into the sea each year – without infringing upon Telangana’s interests.
The state reiterated that Banakacharla is intended to drought-proof the Rayalaseema region and would utilise only excess flows during the monsoon.
Chandrababu Naidu also briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday night, assuring him that the Banakacharla project would not harm the interests of any riparian state.
He pointed out that Telangana had constructed several projects on the Godavari and that Andhra Pradesh had not raised objections at the time.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
