Andhra Pradesh Pushes for Urgent Krishna Water Talks Amid Drought Fears

Andhra Pradesh has formally urged the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) to convene an immediate meeting with Telangana to finalize Krishna River water sharing and regulation for the ongoing water year. The critical request comes as Andhra Pradesh faces escalating drinking water needs, particularly in its drought-prone Rayalaseema region, prompting the state to prioritize essential supplies over irrigation due to the looming threat of El Niño conditions. This urgent call highlights the persistent and complex water dispute between the two Telugu states, which remains largely unresolved years after Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation. Telangana has also been actively challenging Andhra Pradesh, alleging unauthorized irrigation projects and demanding a larger share of the Krishna waters, while the Supreme Court of India commenced final hearings in February 2026 on Andhra Pradesh's plea against the Centre's 2023 water sharing notification. The Krishna River Management Board itself has been under scrutiny for its failure to hold regular board meetings on water issues throughout the current water year, with several postponements raising concerns about its effectiveness in managing this critical interstate resource. With both states grappling for precious water resources, especially for drinking water, the upcoming KRMB meeting – if it materializes – will be crucial. Expect intense negotiations over allocations from key reservoirs like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, and a close watch on any directives from the Supreme Court, which is expected to continue hearings on the matter in September. The Union government's recently formed high-level committee to resolve these disputes also signals a concerted effort to find a lasting solution, but the immediate challenge remains ensuring adequate water for citizens now.