Hyderabad | July 17, 2025 —
The Telangana government has proposed a detailed 13-point agenda ahead of the crucial Jal Shakti Ministry meeting, aiming to protect its rightful share of river water and ensure long-pending clearances for key irrigation projects across the state.
This proactive move comes in light of the ongoing disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over Krishna and Godavari river waters. Telangana officials are set to strongly argue for a fair and transparent approach to water sharing and irrigation development.
Key Demands Raised by Telangana at the Jal Shakti Meeting:
1. Prevent Diversion of Srisailam Waters to Other River Basins
The Telangana delegation has requested the central government to stop diversion of Srisailam dam waters to basins outside of its jurisdiction, emphasizing that such moves violate inter-state agreements.
2. Clearances for Pending Projects Like Sammakka Sagar
Telangana has sought immediate permissions for several key irrigation projects, including Sammakka Sagar, to accelerate development and boost agricultural output in drought-prone regions.
3. Support Telangana’s Stand in Krishna Water Tribunal
The state urged the Union Ministry to facilitate Andhra Pradesh’s cooperation in resolving *Krishna Water Tribunal disputes. Telangana insists that *equitable allocation of Krishna river waters is essential for regional justice.
4. Cooperation from AP on Pre-Bifurcation Projects
Projects initiated during the united Andhra Pradesh era still lack formal approvals. Telangana has asked for Andhra Pradesh’s cooperation in clearing these legacy projects.
5. Discussion on Tungabhadra Board and Inter-Basin Transfers
The state wants a detailed discussion on the Tungabhadra Board’s water diversion policies and is seeking assurance that Telangana’s share is safeguarded.
6. Central Funds for Icchampally on the Lines of Polavaram
Drawing a parallel with *Polavaram, Telangana has demanded *central funding for the Icchampally project, highlighting its potential to serve millions of farmers and enhance water storage capacity.
Full List of Telangana’s 13-Point Agenda Includes:
- Preventing inter-basin transfers of Krishna waters
- Fast-tracking environmental and technical clearances for Telangana projects
- AP’s consent in Krishna Tribunal arguments
- Joint review of pending inter-state water issues
- Protection of Telangana’s legal and hydrological rights
- Release of central grants for state projects
- Inclusion of Telangana’s concerns in Jal Shakti policy frameworks
Telangana’s Water Security: A Growing Priority
Water sharing has remained a contentious issue between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh post-bifurcation. With agriculture still being the backbone of Telangana’s rural economy, access to Krishna and Godavari water plays a vital role in ensuring food security and farmer welfare.
By presenting a clear and assertive agenda, the Telangana government hopes to gain fair treatment at the national level and push for faster execution of its major irrigation projects.
Conclusion
The outcome of the Jal Shakti meeting will be crucial for Telangana’s water future. If the central government responds positively to the 13-point agenda, it could unlock decades-old bottlenecks and ensure justice in river water distribution for the state.