KRMB allocates 10 TMC to AP, 22 TMC to Telangana

Vijayawada: The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has directed Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to judiciously utilise the available water reserves in Krishna basin reservoirs in view of the declining storage levels and the rising summer demand. During a meeting held on Tuesday, the three-member committee comprising engineer-in-chiefs of both Telugu states agreed to allocate 10 tmc ft of water to Andhra Pradesh and 22 tmc ft to Telangana to meet immediate drinking water requirements. AP draw 10 TMC from Nagarjuna Sagar project while Telangana will take 16 TMC from Sagar and 6 TMC from Srisailam reservoir. Both the states have to manage the present allocations till Aug 15.The committee discussed the present water availability in key reservoirs including Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar and reviewed the demand projections for drinking water and irrigation needs in both states. The Board stressed the need for careful management of the remaining reserves until fresh inflows are received during the monsoon season.The meeting assumes significance amid continuing differences between AP and Telangana over Krishna river water utilisation and operational control of common reservoirs after bifurcation. Representatives of both states presented their respective requirements and utilisation data before the Board.KRMB officials also emphasised coordinated reservoir operations and transparent sharing of water usage information to avoid disputes during the peak summer months. The Board is understood to have advised both states to prioritise drinking water needs while regulating non-essential usage. The decisions taken at the meeting are expected to provide temporary relief to several regions dependent on Krishna water supply in both AP and Telangana.