AP Awaiting KWDT-II's Terms for Sharing Krishna Water with TS

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh government is eagerly waiting for Terms of Reference (ToR) that the Union Cabinet in New Delhi has approved on Wednesday for Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-II.

The Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the issue of further ToR for existing KWDT-II under section 5(1) of the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

Based on legal opinion, these terms will help adjudication between states of AP and Telangana after the latter raised a complaint.

Union Cabinet is of the opinion that resolution of the dispute between AP and TS on use, distribution or control of Krishna waters will open new avenues of growth for both the states and will be beneficial for their people.

Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are disputing the allocation and usage of water as at present. AP has got allotment of 512 tmc ft of water per annum, while TS has received 299 tmc ft. This allocation of water is based on the number of projects both the states are having.

However, Telangana wants Krishna water allocation to be in the equal ratio of 50 per cent. AP disagrees.

A senior official from water resources department of Andhra Pradesh said, “We have to get details of the terms of reference given to KWDT-II. This will enable us to know whether the terms are in favour of our state or not with regard to quantum of water allocated. We have got the allocation of water based on number of projects. Any change in this allocation, if any, has to be seen carefully.”