Centre Calls Telangana and Andhra CMs for Water Talks
The Union Jal Shakti Ministry has scheduled a key meeting in New Delhi on July 16, 2025, to address ongoing water-sharing disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Chief Ministers Revanth Reddy and N. Chandrababu Naidu are both expected to attend, with the discussions focusing on issues related to the Krishna and Godavari river basins.
Telangana’s Objection to River Linking
The Telangana government has submitted a letter opposing the inclusion of Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Godavari–Banakacherla link project in the meeting agenda. Telangana argues that the ₹81,900 crore project lacks statutory clearances from national agencies such as the Central Water Commission and the Godavari River Management Board. The state further claims that the project violates the 1980 Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award as well as the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014.
Telangana is expected to press the Centre to approve its long-pending irrigation projects—Palamuru–Rangareddy, Dindi, and Inchampally. The state wants these schemes to be declared national projects and seeks an equitable share of Krishna and Godavari river waters, citing what it describes as years of systemic neglect.
Andhra Pradesh’s Push for Irrigation
Andhra Pradesh, on the other hand, maintains that the proposed river link aims to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters, which would otherwise flow into the Bay of Bengal, to the Krishna basin. The water would be redirected via Banakacherla to benefit drought-prone regions like Rayalaseema. The state argues that the project will not infringe upon Telangana’s rightful share and insists it is based on existing surplus water allocations.
High-Stakes Meeting Ahead
Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil will chair the meeting at 2:30 pm. The meeting holds importance as both states are presenting sharply opposing views. Telangana is expected to seek immediate approvals and financial assistance, while Andhra Pradesh will push for national clearance of the Godavari link project. The outcome of this meeting could significantly shape the future of inter-state river water management in southern India.
