Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal
[2] So the proceedings of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) were taken up first separately and its final verdict was submitted to GoI on 27 May 1976.
[8][9] The tribunal in its report, under Scheme B, has determined that the surplus water available in the river basin totalled 330 TMC.
[10] Therefore, for the time being, Andhra Pradesh has been given liberty [clause V(C) of KWDT −1] to make use of any surplus waters though it cannot claim any rights over the same.
[15] The low lands of Andhra Pradesh would be effected by alkalinity and salinity if adequate salt export is not taking place.
[16] The uplands of Krishna River basin located in Maharashtra and Karnataka are situated on the Deccan Traps which comprises thick seems of basalt rock formations.
The average yearly salt export requirement is nearly 12 million tons in Krishna basin area up to Prakasam Barrage.
Thus there is no additional water available in the river for further allocation to the riparian states by KWDT-2 in excess of 2130 TMC on average permitted by KWDT-1.
In 1974, these negotiations resulted in an international agreement, interpreting the 1944 Treaty, which guaranteed Mexico water of the same quality as that being used in the United States.
Already the water utilisation[27] in Krishna river basin is touching the maximum limit constricting the salt export to the Sea.
Detailed study shall be conducted by experts to decide the minimum water needed for the salt export to the sea.
Krishna Basin Authority should be headed by a panel of experts representing environment, irrigation, agriculture, ground water, geology, health, ecology, etc.
[29][30] Hydrological transport model studies shall be conducted to find out the further possible pollution loads for alkalinity, pH, salinity, RSC index, etc.
In response to the special leave petition lodged by AP, Supreme Court directed the GoI[31] on 15 September 2011 not to accept the KWDT – II final verdict till it is re-examined by it for any violation of Interstate River Water Disputes Act 1956[32](amended last in the year 2002).
[33] The tribunal has assessed 740 tmcft total water availability in a normal year from the river basin.
It also provides for proportionate eligibility of the water available from the river basin during the below normal yield years.
[36] There is no mention or discussion on mean annual environmental flow requirement and the salt export water needs which have been taking place time immemorial and have been considered not essential needs by the tribunal disregarding the sustainable productivity and the ecology of the river basin particularly in the tail end areas.
[39] The above bill[40] also creates Krishna River Management Board located its headquarters in Seemandhra or Andhra Pradesh state with following functions After nearly 7 years, the KRMB is notified by the central govt, after AP filed a writ petition in Supreme Court, as an autonomous body and its project wise functions are identified.
[45][46] After a long gap, the central government decided for tribunal adjudication on Krishna river water's sharing dispute between the two states.
As per the latest terms of reference dated 6 October 2023, the unallocated water of KWDT1 is to be distributed between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states only.
[48] Water import from other rivers to the Krishna basin is governed by clause XIV B of the final order of KWDT I in the absence of any agreement between the riparian states.
[1] Also, Telangana state is transferring Godavari water from Sriram Sagar and Devadula projects for irrigation purpose in its Krishna basin area.
Karnataka is also constructing projects to transfer Mandovi and Netravati rivers water to its Krishna basin area.
[50] A new tribunal is to be constituted to resolve the sharing of additional water available in the river basin among the riparian states as per clause XIV B of the final order of KWDT I.
