Minister Uttam to attend KWDT-II hearings as Telangana pushes for 71% Krishna share

Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy will attend the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) hearings in New Delhi from September 23 to 25. The state is stepping up efforts to secure a fair share of Krishna river waters.

At a review meeting held at Jala Soudha, the Minister met with Supreme Court counsel C.S. Vaidyanathan and a team of legal and technical experts. He declared that Telangana would argue its case firmly. “Not a drop of Krishna water belonging to Telangana will be allowed to go waste,” he said. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has also adjusted his schedule to join the final round of consultations.

KWDT-II hearings Telangana: State seeks 71% of Krishna allocation

Officials informed the Minister that Telangana had made strong submissions since February 2025. These include historical neglect under united Andhra Pradesh, irrigation deficits, and illegal diversions of Krishna water.

Telangana is demanding 71% of the 811 TMC of dependable Krishna water. The claim rests on updated crop water requirements, revised basin assessments, and the region’s drought-prone conditions. The state has also highlighted 291 TMC in potential savings due to changes in cropping patterns and alternative water sources.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government is ready to create additional storage and maximise usage. “We are determined not to miss this opportunity,” he said.

Telangana counters Andhra’s outside-basin diversions

The legal team will focus on Andhra Pradesh’s diversion of Krishna water to non-basin areas. This includes Pattiseema, Chintalpudi, and Pulichintala projects. Telangana will argue for in-basin priority, unrestricted use of its allocation, and adherence to legal provisions in the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act and the Reorganisation Act.

Unresolved issues include carryover storage rights, liberty to use surplus water above 2,578 TMC, and operating protocols. Telangana is seeking 80 TMC for June–July needs and offline storage flexibility in drought-hit regions.

To strengthen its case, the state is preparing Government Orders for major projects. These include expansions of Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, and Palamuru–Rangareddy lift irrigation schemes, and new reservoirs for Hyderabad. The government also plans to develop the Jurala Flood Flow Canal to divert 100 TMC during flood events.

Tribunal seen as last chance to resolve decades-old dispute

The Minister said the Tribunal has already acknowledged the injustices faced by Telangana. He reiterated that Congress, since coming to power, had laid out clear plans to tap every drop of Krishna water. “Our farmers should not rely on rainfall alone. Hyderabad’s water needs will also be protected,” he said.

He emphasized the need for robust storage solutions both online and offline to handle water deficits in dry years. Telangana will also highlight legal delays caused by Andhra Pradesh in the Supreme Court and Green Tribunal.

“This could be the final round of hearings. We must act with resolve to secure our rightful share,” the Minister said.