The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is located on the Krishna river on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
HYDERABAD
In a significant development, the Central government has assumed control of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on the Krishna river, situated on the border of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana. This decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two states during the Telangana elections. The move was proposed by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, in a video conference with officials from both states, which saw mutual agreement.
The situation originated during the Telangana Assembly elections, when AP officials, with the support of the police, seized control of 13 gates on their side of the dam, leading to a standoff. Despite objections from the Telangana Police, AP officials continued to control their section of the dam. In response to the rising tensions, the Central government intervened, postponing the scheduled meeting of hydropower department officials in Delhi to 6 December.
The Krishna Board and the Central Jal Sangha, acting on the orders of the Centre, engaged with officials from both states to address the issue. However, prior to this, Telangana had filed a complaint with the Krishna Board, alleging that AP was occupying the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam illegally and releasing water. In response, the Krishna Board directed AP to halt water release from the dam.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has now taken control of the dam, following the orders of the Centre, in an effort to prevent further conflicts. According to a pre-existing agreement, CRPF forces will monitor water release on both sides.
Tensions escalated as AP officials took control of 13 gates, with Telangana responding by filing an FIR and bringing the matter to the attention of the Union Jal Shakti ministry. Andhra Pradesh, however, defended its actions, asserting that it had not violated any treaties and emphasising the distribution of Krishna water between the two states.
Amidst the chaos, Andhra Pradesh irrigation officials released water from the dam, claiming their rightful share. The situation is further complicated by conflicting claims regarding the actual water requirements of both states.
The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has intervened, writing a letter to the Andhra Pradesh chief secretary, urging the state to cease taking water from the Nagarjuna Sagar right canal. The letter highlighted that the requested amount of water for October had already been released, and no further requests had been received after 30 November.
As the Centre steps in to manage the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, the chief secretaries of both states are expected to engage in discussions soon to address the ongoing water dispute. The situation remains fluid, with the nation closely watching for further developments.