Water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

GS Paper 2

 Syllabus: Inter-State water dispute

Source: TH

 Context: The water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, stemming from the Krishna River, remains unresolved even after nine years since the bifurcation of the combined state.

About the Dispute:

The dispute began with the erstwhile Hyderabad and Mysore states and later continued between successors Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It originated from the Gentlemen’s Agreement signed in 1956, which aimed to protect the Telangana region’s interests regarding water resources. In 1969, the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) was set up under the Inter-State River Water Dispute Act, of 1956, and presented its report in 1973. It divided water between Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

After the bifurcation of the state, both states have proposed new projects (e.g., the project to increase Krishna water utilization above the Srisailam Reservoir) without proper clearance from river boards and authorities as required by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. This led to complaints and disputes between the two states. Also, Telangana has been pushing for an equal share.

Legal Provisions:

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 mandates for the constitution of an Apex Council by the Central Government for the supervision of the functioning of the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board. The Apex Council comprises the Union Water Resources Minister and the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Constitutional provisions: 

Inter-State River Water Disputes: Under Article 262, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and control of waters of any inter-state river and river valley. The Parliament enacted two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956).

About River board:

The River Boards Act provides for the establishment of river boards by the Central government for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys. A River Board is established at the request of state governments concerned to advise them.

About Inter-State Water Disputes Act:

It empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute. Neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which may be referred to such a tribunal under this Act.

Way forward:

To address water disputes effectively, it is necessary to establish a permanent tribunal with Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction and amend Article 262 and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act. Communication channels must be improved for consensus-building, and the central body should represent states adequately. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued a gazette notification defining the jurisdiction of river management boards, which can help overcome challenges. Clear demarcation of power for each state should be followed.

Other Inter-State River Water Sharing Disputes:

Insta link:

Krishna River water dispute

Mains Links:

Write a critical note on the Krishna River water dispute and critically evaluate the successes of tribunals in resolving river water disputes in India. (250 Words)

Prelims Links: