It is also the fourth-largest in terms of water inflows and river basin area in India, after the Ganges, Indus and Godavari.

[6] It is a major source of irrigation in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

[7] The Krishna River originates in the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar at an elevation of about 1,300 metres (4,300 ft), in the state of Maharashtra in central India.

[8] The Krishna River passes through the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

[citation needed] Kudalasangama[11] (also written as Kudala Sangama) is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the Almatti Dam in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state.

The Aikya Mantapa or the holy Samādhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat Hindu sect along with Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is here and the river flows east towards Srisailam (another pilgrim center) Andhra Pradesh.

"[17] Krishna River basin is endowed with rich mineral deposits such as oil and gas, coal, iron, limestone, dolomite, gold, granite, laterite, uranium, diamonds, etc.

The following are the few noted deposits: Widespread area near to the Krishna River holds the rich flora and fauna.

The Brijesh Kumar tribunal award given on 29 November 2013 was challenged by Andhra Pradesh in the Supreme Court and the case has been pending since then.

[19] The newly created state of Telangana also approached the Supreme Court demanding a fresh tribunal hearing to secure its water needs on equitable basis.

[citation needed] The first holy place on the river Krishna is at Wai, known for the Mahaganpati Mandir and Kashivishweshwar temple.

In October 2009, heavy floods occurred, isolating 350 villages and leaving millions homeless,[23] which is believed to be first occurrence in 1000 years.

The flood resulted in heavy damage to Kurnool, Mahabubnagar, Guntur, Krishna and Nalagonda Districts.

Adequate average and minimum continuous environmental flows to the sea are not taking place in most of the years constricting salt export and leading to formation of saline and sodic alkaline soils in the lower reaches of the river basin.