Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government wrote to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) blaming Telangana for alleged lapses in the maintenance of Nagarjunasagar dam structures, triggering fresh debate over inter-state control and responsibility.
The letter accused Telangana of failing to maintain the right canal head regulator and several dam gates. However, the move drew attention because Andhra Pradesh had earlier taken control of the same structures during the Telangana Assembly elections with police deployment.
According to officials, Andhra Pradesh had occupied the right canal head regulator and up to the 13th gate on the right side of the dam during the election period. At the same time, it denied Telangana engineers access to the site and assumed full operational control.
Despite taking charge, Andhra Pradesh later lodged complaints with KRMB. Subsequently, when repair works came up, the state shifted blame to Telangana, alleging poor upkeep. As a result, the Nagarjunasagar dam dispute resurfaced as a political and administrative flashpoint.
Under a temporary post-bifurcation arrangement, Telangana holds responsibility for Nagarjunasagar dam operations, while Andhra Pradesh manages Srisailam dam maintenance. Nevertheless, Andhra Pradesh moved armed personnel into Nagarjunasagar during the election period, prompting central intervention and CRPF deployment.
Following the standoff, KRMB assumed full control of the dam. Moreover, the Centre directed that any repair work or official access required prior approval from the board and CRPF authorities.
Telangana later sought and received KRMB permission to resume pending repair works. However, Andhra Pradesh objected strongly and wrote to the board again, asserting that it would handle all maintenance work located within its territorial limits.
Nagarjunasagar dam dispute deepens over regulator control
Andhra Pradesh demanded exclusive access for its engineers and vehicles from the water resources department and power utilities. It also sought authority over inspections, emergency works and water release monitoring. Eventually, KRMB allowed Andhra Pradesh to continue maintenance on the right side.
At present, Andhra Pradesh controls the right canal head regulator and gate operations. Officials say irregular gate handling and lack of routine greasing have caused serious technical issues. Consequently, the gates have reportedly reached a risky operational condition.
A recent inspection by teams from the National Dam Safety Authority and KRMB expressed strong dissatisfaction over the condition of the right canal regulator. Despite this, Andhra Pradesh blamed Telangana and escalated the issue through another letter to the board.
KRMB subsequently sought an explanation from Telangana, drawing criticism from several quarters. Meanwhile, the board is preparing to convene a meeting to resolve the issue. Against this backdrop, the Nagarjunasagar dam dispute has once again raised questions over control, accountability and future management.
