Question : KRISHNA WATER DISPUTE

(a) whether the Krishna Water Tribunal Board has recently given its award for sharing of Krishna waters among the three riparian States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra;

(b) if so, the salient features of the award;

(c) whether Government is aware of the resentment expressed by the people of Andhra Pradesh particularly farmers over the award particularly over the increase in the height of Alamatti dam by Karnataka;

(d) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh has filed a review petition before the tribunal for modification of the Award; and

(e) if so, the time by which the concerns expressed by Andhra Pradesh would be addressed?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT II) has submitted its report and decision on 30.12.2010.

(b) Based on an yearly water series for 47 years, KWDT II determined Yield at 75% dependability, Yield at 65% dependability and Average Yield as 2173 TMC, 2293 TMC and 2578 TMC respectively. KWDT II decided that the water of river Krishna be distributed amongst the three States of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on 65% dependability i.e. 2293 TMC. However the allocations already made by KWDT-I (headed by Shri Justice (Retd) R.S.Bachawat) at 75% dependability have not be disturbed. KWDT II has allocated 628TMC, 799TMC and 850TMC to States of Maharastra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh respectively and the remaining 16 TMC for meeting minimum flow requirement in the river Krishna at 65% dependability. KWDT II has also allocated 663TMC, 904TMC and 995TMC to States of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh respectively on average basis. KWDT II places restriction on the State of Maharastra for utilization of water from Bhima, Upper Krishna sub basins, diversion out of basin except from Upper Krishna sub basin and from entire Krishna basin; on the State of Karnataka for utilization of water from Tungbhadra sub basin, Upper Krishna project and from entire Krishna basin; and on the State of Andhra Pradesh from entire Krishna basin(It includes further allocation of 9 TMC for Jurala Project, 25 TMC for Telugu Ganga Project and 150 TMC for carry over storage in Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar Dams). KWDT II gave liberty to the State of Andhra Pradesh to utilize the remaining water available(above 2578 TMC), subject to any part of it being stored/ trapped in future and/or till the next review or reconsideration by any Competent Authority under the law. At any time after 31st May, 2050, order may be reviewed or revised by a Competent Authority or Tribunal. KWDT II has framed a scheme called “Krishna Waters Decision –Implementation Board”, for implementation of its decision and the decision and directions made by KWDT-I, which have not been modified or reviewed by it.

(c) Yes.The Government is aware of the resentment expressed in certain quarters.

(d) & (e) No review petition has been filed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh before the Tribunal for modification of award so far.