In News:

The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 created prolonged disputes between Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana over sharing the waters of the Krishna and Godavari rivers. Issues have resurfaced with Andhra Pradesh’s proposal of the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP), opposed by Telangana on legal and ecological grounds.

In July 2025, the Union Government decided to set up two dedicated river management boards—the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) at Amaravati and the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) at Hyderabad. Both will include Central officials, technical experts, and representatives from the two states.

Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP)

• Objective: Divert 200 TMC of surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone Rayalaseema by linking the Polavaram reservoir to the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district.
• Water Transfer Mechanism:
  • Draw water from Polavaram Dam
  • Convey through Prakasam Barrage → lift to Bollapalli reservoir
  • Tunnel through the Nallamala hills → release into Banakacherla reservoir
• Significance: Strengthens irrigation, drinking water supply, and agricultural sustainability; aligns with national schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Blue Revolution, and Make in India.

Telangana’s Concerns

• Violation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 – which requires prior approval of the Apex Council, KRMB, and CWC for new inter-state river projects.
• Disputed “Surplus” Claim – Telangana contests Andhra’s claim of 200 TMC surplus Godavari waters, arguing no adjudicatory body has approved such diversion.
• Environmental and Legal Clearances – Though the Polavaram Project got clearance in 2005, the Expert Appraisal Committee has called for fresh scrutiny, especially due to submergence concerns in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
• Unauthorised Inter-Basin Diversion – Godavari-to-Krishna transfer without mutual consent could undermine Telangana’s own projects.
• Breach of Cooperative Federalism – Telangana sees unilateral action by Andhra as bypassing consensus-driven water governance.

Consensus Achieved in July 2025 Talks

• Telemetry Systems: Both states agreed to install real-time monitoring devices at reservoirs and projects to ensure transparency in water usage.
• Srisailam Project Repairs: Andhra agreed to undertake crucial maintenance at this shared project.
• Board Reorganisation: KRMB’s office to shift to Amaravati/Vijayawada for better oversight.
• Joint Committee: High-level committee of central, state, and technical experts to study outstanding issues and recommend equitable solutions.

Legal and Institutional Mechanisms for Inter-State Water Disputes

• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 262: Parliament may legislate for adjudication of inter-state water disputes; can also bar courts’ jurisdiction.
  • State List (Entry 17): States control water-related issues.
  • Union List (Entry 56): Centre can regulate inter-state rivers in the national interest.
• Statutory Framework:
  • River Boards Act, 1956: Allows River Boards for coordinated development; not implemented in practice.
  • Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for tribunals. Amendments in 2002 mandated quicker constitution of tribunals (1 year) and decisions within 3 years.
• Judicial Role: Despite Article 262(2), the Supreme Court has intervened in interpretation and implementation of tribunal awards (e.g., Mahadayi Water Dispute, 2018).