In a significant development concerning the contentious Krishna River water sharing, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made a direct appeal to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, Chandrababu Naidu. The appeal, made on Friday, urges the removal of barriers and objections related to key irrigation projects on the river, which is a vital water source for both states.
A Direct Appeal for Cooperation
The heart of the matter lies in Andhra Pradesh's reported objections to certain projects initiated by Telangana on the Krishna River. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has specifically requested that the Andhra Pradesh government withdraw these objections. He emphasized that the ongoing disputes are hindering developmental works and creating unnecessary friction between the two neighboring states.
This diplomatic outreach is seen as an effort to de-escalate tensions and find a collaborative path forward on water resource management. The Krishna River water sharing has been a long-standing point of contention, with both states relying heavily on it for agriculture and drinking water needs.
The Core Issues and Projects at Stake
While the official communication details were not fully disclosed, the objections from Andhra Pradesh are believed to be centered around Telangana's projects and their potential impact on water availability downstream. A key project often mentioned in such disputes is the Srisailam project, a major dam and reservoir on the Krishna River.
The appeal from CM Revanth Reddy underscores a plea for Andhra Pradesh to not raise further objections that could stall progress. The Telangana government's position is that its projects are within its rightful share and are crucial for the state's irrigation and water security. The call for removing "barriers" likely refers to both administrative objections and any physical impediments to project execution perceived by Telangana.
Broader Implications for Regional Water Sharing
This latest appeal places the spotlight back on the complex and often politicized issue of inter-state river water sharing in India. The Krishna River dispute is governed by the directives of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and the broader award of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
The outcome of this dialogue between the two Chief Ministers could set a precedent for how such disputes are managed. A cooperative resolution would benefit farmers and citizens in both states, ensuring planned and equitable use of the river's resources. Conversely, a stalemate could lead to further legal battles and delay critical infrastructure projects.
The appeal was formally made on January 10, 2026, marking a clear attempt by the Telangana leadership to address the issue head-on through political dialogue. Observers note that the personal rapport between the two leaders could play a crucial role in finding a mutually acceptable solution to this sensitive issue.
