Telemetry on Krishna River approved after Telangana’s push: Minister Uttam Kumar

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have agreed to constitute a committee of senior officials and technical experts to identify and resolve all pending water-related issues, including usage patterns, project allocations and the management of river systems. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Chief Ministers A. Revanth Reddy and N. Chandrababu Naidu, convened by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on Wednesday.

During a media briefing after the meeting in the presence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said that both States had reached a consensus on four major decisions aimed at addressing long-standing disputes.

A key outcome was the decision to install telemetry instruments at all water-drawing points along the Krishna River and its canal systems. “We have assured immediate release of funds to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) to expedite the installation. This will bring transparency and accountability in measuring water usage at each off-take point. We have decided to complete the work on a war-footing basis,” Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy said, adding that Krishna River usage had long been a bone of contention between the two States.

On the issue of the Srisailam Dam’s structural integrity, the Andhra Pradesh government agreed to take up urgent repairs and rehabilitation work. “The dam, which has shown signs of wear — particularly in the plunge pool area — will now be restored under the supervision of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). The Union government has directed Andhra Pradesh to undertake the work on priority since the Srisailam Dam falls within their jurisdiction. Whatever needs to be done, whether in the plunge pool or other parts of the dam requiring urgent attention, will be taken up immediately,” he said.

Regarding the location of the river management board offices, it was decided that the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) will be headquartered in Hyderabad, while the KRMB will function from Andhra Pradesh. “This decision is in line with the earlier understanding reached at the Apex Council meeting in 2020, and the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act were ratified at the meeting,” the Minister said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both States, Congress MPs, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mallu Ravi, and representatives of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.