Telangana Chief Minister Advocates Cooperation Over Conflict on River Water Sharing

The Central Government has decided to form a high-level committee to address water-sharing disputes among the southern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The announcement came during a public meeting on Thursday (June 25, 2026) to mark the inauguration of 33 new gates at the Tungabhadra dam.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stated that his government would fully cooperate with the proposed committee, which aims to find a permanent solution to water-related issues among the three riparian states along the Tungabhadra river. The inaugural event was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shiv Kumar.

Mr. Reddy described the occasion as historic, expressing hope that Mr. Patil—known for his problem-solving skills—would help resolve the longstanding water disputes that have persisted for decades. “You become a judge, an arbitrator to find permanent solutions. We are prepared to accept the solution,” the Chief Minister said, noting that for the first time, three Chief Ministers and a Union Minister shared a dais to discuss these challenges.

Mr. Reddy highlighted that Telangana has been unable to draw its allocated 15.9 thousand million cubic feet (TMCFT) of water from the Tungabhadra via the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS), receiving only 5 to 6 TMCFT due to issues like excessive siltation and water-sharing problems. These concerns were brought to the Union Minister's attention during the meeting.

The three Chief Ministers resolved to work together in the interest of farmers in Bellary, Anantapur, Kurnool, and Mahbubnagar districts. “We are hopeful that the Union Government will find a lasting solution to the problem,” Mr. Reddy said.

Emphasizing a preference for collaboration over conflict, Mr. Reddy stated, “I prefer solutions rather than disputes with neighbouring States.” He affirmed his government's readiness to cooperate with the committee, adding that a significant first step had been taken on Thursday. “Hitherto, no serious solutions were worked out,” he noted.