I prefer solutions over disputes, says Telangana CM on river water sharing issues with Karnataka and AP

The Central Government has decided to constitute a high level committee to resolve water sharing problems between the three southern States — Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday (June 25, 2026) has announced the State Government’s fullest cooperation to the committee which has been proposed for finding a permanent solution to the water related problems between the three riparian States under Tungabhadra.

He was speaking at a public meeting convened in connection with inauguration of 33 new gates of Tungabhadra dam on Thursday. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil formally inaugurated the project in the presence of Mr. Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shiv Kumar.

The Chief Minister described the event as historic and expressed hope that Mr. Patil, reputed as a problem solver, would find a permanent solution to the vexatious decades-long disputes between the three States over river water sharing. “You (Mr. Patil) become a judge, an arbitrator to find permanent solutions. We are prepared to accept the solution,” he said adding it was for the first time three Chief Ministers and a Union Minister discussed about the problems and were sharing the dais.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that Telangana could not draw 5 to 6 TMCFT of water from Tungabhadra in spite of its allocation of 15.9 TMCFT through Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS). Issues like excess siltation and problems with water sharing were taken to the notice of the Union Minister during the meeting.

“The three Chief Ministers have resolved to work together in finding a solution to the problem in the interests of farmers of Bellary, Anantapur, Kurnool and Mahbubnagar. We are hopeful that the Union Government will find a lasting solution to the problem,” Mr. Reddy said.

Announcing that the three Chief Ministers had decided to find out amicable solutions, Mr. Reddy said he preferred solutions rather than disputes with neighbouring States and was prepared to cooperate with the proposed committee. “Hitherto, no serious solutions were worked out. A first step has been taken on Thursday,” Mr. Reddy said.