New Delhi: The Centre constituted a high-level expert committee to address the long-pending Telangana Andhra water dispute, aiming to end continuing conflicts over river water sharing between the two states.
Even after more than a decade since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has not finalised full water allocations. As a result, disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have intensified. Both states have accused each other of constructing projects illegally and violating agreed norms.
Chief ministers, ministers, and senior officials from both states have repeatedly approached the Centre with complaints. However, the issue has remained unresolved so far. Therefore, the Centre decided to intervene by forming a dedicated committee to examine the matter comprehensively.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti set up the committee on January 2. It formed a 15-member special expert panel to study inter-state water disputes and recommend solutions. The committee will function under the supervision of the Central Water Commission.
The CWC chairman Atul Jain will chair the panel. The Centre said the move was aimed at bringing clarity and reducing friction between the two neighbouring states.
Telangana Andhra water dispute panel includes senior officials from both states
As part of the Telangana Andhra water dispute resolution process, the committee includes senior officials from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Telangana nominated irrigation department government adviser and retired IAS officer Adityanath Das, along with principal secretary Rahul Bojja, special secretary Prashant Jeevan Patil, and ENC Amjad Hussain.
From Andhra Pradesh, the Centre included water resources special chief secretary Sai Prasad, government adviser Venkateswara Rao, ENC Narasimhamurthy, and the chief engineer of the inter-state water resources division.
The panel also includes Krishna River Management Board chairman Biswas, Godavari River Management Board chairman B.P. Pandey, National Water Development Agency chief engineer Das, and CWC Project Appraisal Organisation chief engineer Paithankar as central representatives.
The Centre allowed the committee to co-opt technical experts if required. Officials said the panel would examine water sharing, project compliance, and legal aspects before submitting its recommendations.
The Centre expressed hope that the committee’s findings would help bring an end to the prolonged Telangana Andhra water dispute and ensure equitable water management between the two states.
