Water Wars intensifies between AP and TS

The ongoing water dispute between Andhra Pradesh (Ap) and Telangana has taken a significant turn, especially with summer Approaching. Telangana has begun taking precautions, and officials have raised their concerns in a strong manner. Recently, Telangana officials Rahul Bojja, Anil Kumar, and Ajay Kumar submitted a letter to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) stating that Ap should not receive any water from the shared resources. The letter, which was notably harsh in tone, emphasized that the Andhra Pradesh government had already exhausted its allocated share of water from the joint projects of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, and therefore, no further water should be released to Ap from these sources.

The Ap Response

Ap, however, strongly opposes Telangana’s stance. Officials from the Ap Water Resources Department have criticized the letter, arguing that Telangana is using outdated calculations. They questioned the relevance of the claim that Ap had used its allocated water previously, asserting that such past usage should not dictate current water distribution.

Chandrababu’s View

Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also weighed in on the issue, stating that disputes like these, which could be resolved through dialogue, should not be escalated. He stressed that water is crucial for both states and that Ap would cooperate in finding a solution. Chandrababu pointed out that simply lodging complaints with the central government would not resolve the matter and that both states need to engage in discussions for a lasting resolution.

KRMB Meeting Postponed

Meanwhile, a crucial KRMB meeting scheduled for Friday was postponed after Ap officials indicated they would not be able to attend. Telangana, which had raised concerns over this delay, has suggested that Ap is using the postponement to gain an advantage in transferring water from the Doddidari region. Telangana is demanding an allocation of 107 TMC of water by May 31, 2025, but the KRMB has not yet provided any clear response on this demand, stating that further discussions with Ap are needed before making a decision.

Rising Tensions

The dispute has reached a critical point, with both sides locked in a standoff over water rights. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) has reiterated that the state is not willing to release any more water to Ap. Additionally, the Telangana government has empowered local collectors with full authority regarding water release decisions, further heightening tensions between the two states.

Impact on Farmers and Agriculture

As summer Approaches, the water crisis becomes more pressing, particularly for farmers in both states who are preparing for the Kharif crop season. The looming water shortage is expected to intensify the ongoing dispute, with both states facing mounting pressure to secure enough water for agricultural and drinking needs.

Conclusion

The dispute over water resources between Ap and Telangana shows no signs of easing, and with critical decisions pending, the situation is expected to escalate further in the coming months. As both states continue to jockey for control over the shared Krishna river waters, the outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the region’s future water security and agricultural stability.