Central Water Committee Schedules First Meeting to Address Telangana-AP Water Issues
A high-level committee formed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti will hold its inaugural meeting on January 30 in Delhi. The committee, chaired by the Central Water Commission chairman, will bring together irrigation officials from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This meeting represents a significant step toward resolving long-standing disputes over water resources between the two states.
Committee Formation and Mandate
The Ministry of Jal Shakti established this committee just a couple of weeks ago. It includes members from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The panel's primary objective involves addressing pending issues related to the utilization of Krishna and Godavari river waters. It also aims to resolve conflicts concerning various irrigation projects that have been sources of contention between the neighboring states.
Rakesh Kumar, who serves as chief engineer and member secretary of the Central Water Commission, issued a meeting notice on Friday. He outlined the agenda for this important gathering. "The meeting will focus on key water management issues between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana," Kumar stated. "Both states will present details of their primary concerns for the committee's consideration."
Meeting Agenda and State Positions
The Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board will provide essential inputs during the discussions. The committee also plans to co-opt officers and experts who can assist in its proceedings and contribute valuable insights to the complex water sharing challenges.
Telangana government officials are expected to raise several critical issues at the meeting. These include concerns about the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar link project, Krishna water utilization, and Telangana's claim for a larger share of water resources. Specifically, Telangana seeks at least 45 tmcft of water initially from a total of 90 tmcft for the Palamuru–Ranga Reddy lift irrigation scheme. The state also intends to challenge Andhra Pradesh's Nallamala Sagar link project during the discussions.
Irrigation officials from both states will submit all relevant documents for the committee's review. These documents will include details of alleged violations of various awards and provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act by the Andhra Pradesh government.
Background and Committee Composition
The Centre constituted this panel on January 1, 2026, following a decision made during the apex council meeting held in July 2025. That earlier meeting was chaired by the Union Jal Shakti Minister and attended by the chief ministers of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The committee includes significant representation from both states. From Telangana, members consist of:
- The adviser to the water resources department (irrigation)
- The principal secretary of the irrigation department
- The special secretary to the Telangana irrigation department
- The engineer-in-chief
Andhra Pradesh's representation includes:
- The special secretary of the water resources department (irrigation)
- The adviser to the water resources department (irrigation)
- The engineer-in-chief (irrigation)
- The chief engineer
This balanced composition ensures both states have adequate representation as they work toward resolving their water sharing disputes through this central government initiative.
