The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has called on Telangana to immediately stop drawing water from the Srisailam reservoir for hydro-electric power generation, raising alarms over fast-dwindling water levels that could jeopardize drinking supplies in the coming dry months.

Key facts

  • KRMB issued the directive on September 5, 2026, following a committee meeting.
  • Drinking water needs take precedence over power and irrigation per the AP Reorganisation Act.
  • Andhra Pradesh draws 15,355 cusecs daily; Telangana draws 2,400 cusecs.

Context of the Conflict

The board’s letter to Telangana’s Irrigation Secretary came after a Friday meeting failed to resolve water-sharing methods during this lean year. It was prompted by a complaint from Andhra Pradesh, which highlighted what it called "excessive" power generation drawals by Telangana.

But Telangana officials pushed back sharply. A senior state engineer, who asked not to be named, criticized the KRMB for turning a blind eye to Andhra’s own substantial withdrawals—nearly 1.5 tmc ft per day—through multiple channels including Pothireddypadu and Handri-Neeva.

“The board was silent on the unilateral release of water by A.P.,” the engineer noted, frustration clear in his tone.

Political Reactions

The issue quickly drew fire from opposition leaders. K.T. Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, called the KRMB’s letter proof of the state government’s failure to defend Telangana’s water rights. “Is the XI Schedule only meant for Telangana?” he asked pointedly.

What Comes Next?

With storage levels dropping and tempers rising, all eyes are on how Telangana will respond. The state’s irrigation department says it has not yet decided on the board’s communication. But one thing is certain: as water grows scarcer, the stakes—and the rhetoric—are only getting higher.