Telangana, Karnataka Hold Crucial Krishna Water Talks, Eye Cooperative Framework

Amid continuing interstate disputes over the Krishna river waters , Telangana and Karnataka on Monday held high-level discussions in Hyderabad on irrigation priorities, drinking water security, and future water infrastructure projects. The meeting is being seen as an important step towards building coordination between the two southern states at a time when pressure on river water resources continues to intensify.

The meeting was held at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat between Karnataka Minor Irrigation Minister N.S. Boseraju and Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy . Telangana ministers Jupally Krishna Rao , Vakiti Srihari , Planning Commission Vice Chairman G. Chinna Reddy , and senior irrigation officials from both states also participated in the discussions.

According to officials, the talks focused on irrigation projects, drinking water supply systems, and technical aspects related to a proposed barrage on the Krishna river. Both sides reportedly discussed long-term strategies to ensure equitable water utilisation while protecting the interests of farmers and urban consumers.

Speaking after the meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana would not compromise on its irrigation rights or future water requirements under any proposed arrangement. He stated that the government had clearly conveyed that the interests of Telangana farmers and drought-prone regions would remain a top priority in all future project designs.

The minister said detailed discussions were held on the technical feasibility of the proposed barrage and on measures to address drinking water shortages through interstate coordination. He added that Telangana was committed to safeguarding its rightful share of Krishna waters while also working with neighbouring states to achieve sustainable and mutually beneficial solutions.

The discussions come against the backdrop of ongoing disputes before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) . Telangana has consistently argued that historical allocations made before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh were unfair and did not adequately account for the state’s basin area, cultivable land, and growing water needs.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said the details of the discussions would be placed before Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy before a final decision is taken. He also indicated that Telangana and Karnataka may work towards a formal agreement on future water utilisation, signalling an effort to prioritise cooperation over confrontation in one of southern India’s most sensitive river-sharing issues.