Telemetry system sparks TS-AP spat

Hyderabad: Even before the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) is set to address water sharing and project managements on River Krishna between Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh, a fresh dispute has arisen between the two Telugu speaking States.

The two State governments have locked horns on the installation of telemetry system to gauge water consumption at Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam canals and lift irrigation projects on the River Krishna in both the States.

The objective of installing telemetry system is to share information on the consumption of water between the two States from time to time as they are often squabbling with each other over river water sharing.

Official sources said the TS government has rejected AP’s demand to install instruments at four points on Sagar’s left bank canal. “We have accepted to set up telemetry system at the starting and ending points of the left canal and rejected installation of the system at two more points on Palair canal in Khammam district.” AP is also demanding that telemetry system be put in place at Pulichintala and all lift irrigation projects in Telangana State.

Irrigation officials strongly objected to AP’s proposal because the Palair canal is not part of the River Krishna. The neighbouring State has been demanding telemetry equipment at inflow and outflow points at Palair canal. Officials wondered why AP was complicating the whole issue by raising new demands.

Telangana State government had urged the Board to ensure setting up of telemetry instruments at four points on the right bank canal and another six points along the Srisailam project. “Telangana State is demanding the setting up of telemetry equipment at Tungabhadra, KC Canal and Pothireddypadu project also to ascertain the quantum of Krishna water usage by AP,” the sources said.

Telangana State also insisted on the installation of telemetry system to gauge water consumption at Prakasam barrage to ascertain the usage of River Godavari water from Pattiseema project. But, AP had rejected the proposal.

Officials said during the last two years, Telangana State complained that Andhra Pradesh had utilised more water than allotted. The AP government said it was not getting its share of water in Krishna due to overuse by Telangana.

Since the existing manual system would not resolve the issue, the KRMB decided to introduce the new system at all important points on River Krishna with the consent of both the state governments.

Sources said the two States agreed to the proposal and in fact addressed letters to the KRMB extending their support to the installation of telemetry system, but opposed the points finalised. The board would hold a meeting to address the issue soon.