Telangana, Andhra Pradesh discuss Krishna river water issue

Hyderabad: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh irrigation officials have agreed with the Central government decision to constitute an experts committee to monitor the Krishna river waters and related issues.

Irrigation officials of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh met here on Tuesday to follow up on the talks in New Delhi, which had ended in a deadlock. The Telangana government is insisting that the Krishna river management board (KRNB) should only monitor water sharing and await the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal award on allocation of Krishna water.

Telangana was represented by special chief secretary S.K. Joshi, while AP deputed its irrigation secretary Shashibushan. The officials discussed the modalities to be worked out in the sharing of waters till the presentation of award by the tribunal.

Mr Joshi said after the meeting that the Centre should take the responsibility of distribution of Krishna and other river waters. “We will meet again in two or three days to continue with the talks,” he added.

Mr Shashibushan welcomed the central government decision to constitute an experts committee. “We welcome the experts committee. After the terms of reference of the committee is fixed, we will present our case,” Shashibhushan said.