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25 August 2026

Krishna River water sharing dispute

The Krishna River water dispute involves the functioning of a statutory body (KRMB) and highlights critical issues regarding inter-state water sharing, federalism, and resource management, which are core topics for UPSC Mains.

1 min read Day 1 of 2 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has restricted water usage from Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar reservoirs exclusively for drinking purposes, prohibiting irrigation use due to El Nino conditions and low inflows.
  • Srisailam storage is at 166.7 tmc ft (capacity 215.8 tmc ft); Nagarjunasagar storage is at 178.3 tmc ft (capacity 312 tmc ft).
  • Current water drawal rates: Andhra Pradesh (11,050 cusecs) and Telangana (2,400 cusecs).
  • Dispute exists over the sharing ratio: Telangana demands a 50:50 split based on basin population, while Andhra Pradesh advocates for the continuation of the existing 66:34 (AP:TG) ad hoc arrangement.
  • The KRMB has scheduled a follow-up meeting for September 4 to finalize the water-sharing ratio for the period until June-July.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 2 in Krishna River water sharing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which has been running since 25 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Examine the role of River Management Boards in resolving inter-state water disputes in India. How do climate-induced challenges like El Nino complicate the equitable distribution of water resources? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Inter-state water disputes often highlight the tension between historical water-sharing arrangements and the evolving demographic and developmental needs of states. Discuss the institutional mechanisms available to address these conflicts and suggest measures to ensure sustainable water management in river basins. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following reservoirs are managed by the Krishna River Management Board as per the recent reports?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-25/krishna-river-water-sharing-dispute