The Andhra Pradesh government has renewed its call for the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) headquarters to be relocated from Hyderabad to Andhra Pradesh, invoking the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014. In a letter dated February 11, the state government formally requested the KRMB to move its headquarters to Amaravati, which is proposed as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Krishna River Management Board’s Role and Functionality
The KRMB is an autonomous body established under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act to manage and regulate the waters of the Krishna River basin, which spans across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The Krishna River is the third largest river in India, covering an area of approximately 258,948 square kilometers.
Andhra Pradesh’s Request for the KRMB Headquarters Relocation
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, which bifurcated the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, includes provisions that specifically state that the headquarters of the KRMB should be located in the successor state of Andhra Pradesh. Despite this, the KRMB headquarters has remained in Hyderabad since its establishment.
In the letter, the Andhra Pradesh government cited a decision made during the second Apex Council meeting on October 6, 2020, which recommended that the headquarters of the KRMB be relocated immediately to Andhra Pradesh. This matter was again discussed during the 19th meeting of the KRMB held on January 21, 2025.
The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed Amaravati as the new location for the KRMB headquarters and has pledged to provide all necessary assistance for the relocation process.
The Ongoing Dispute Between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
The delay in shifting the KRMB headquarters is a reflection of the broader issues resulting from the reorganization of Andhra Pradesh, which included disputes over water sharing, asset allocation, and institutional placements. These issues have remained points of contention between the two states since the bifurcation.
The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, established in 1969, previously resolved water disputes among Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Following the reorganization, the tribunal’s terms were extended to include Telangana and to address specific water allocation and operational protocols. Since 2015, water in the Krishna basin has been allocated between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at a ratio of 512:299.
Impact of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act on Water Resource Management
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act has played a significant role in shaping the water resource management framework in the region. It allocated water shares between the two states, and its provisions have influenced how water disputes are handled and how key institutions like the KRMB are positioned. The continued delay in relocating the KRMB headquarters underscores the difficulties in fully implementing the provisions of the Act.
As Andhra Pradesh works to establish Amaravati as its administrative capital, the discussions surrounding the KRMB headquarters have become more prominent. While Telangana has taken a neutral stance on the issue, it has pledged to cooperate with the relocation process. The matter remains sensitive, as it is closely linked to broader concerns about resource allocation and state reorganization.
Water Sharing Between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
The Krishna River, shared between the two states, has been the subject of ongoing negotiations and legal frameworks. Since 2015, the two states have been allocated water in a 512:299 ratio, with specific guidelines set for water release in deficit situations. The KRMB plays a key role in ensuring that water resources are managed efficiently and equitably.
The resolution of the KRMB headquarters relocation will require continued dialogue and cooperation between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This issue highlights the importance of addressing the concerns of both states to ensure effective and fair water management in the Krishna River basin.
