New Delhi: The long-simmering water disputes between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are heading for a crucial showdown as the high-level expert committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti gears up for its inaugural meeting. The committee, formed on January 2, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Central Water Commission (CWC) Chairman Atul Jain, will hold its first session on January 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Seva Bhavan, New Delhi.
The Project Appraisal Organization (PAO) and CWC have issued the official meeting notice, calling on all relevant officials to come fully prepared with data, reports, and details. At the heart of the discussions will be contentious projects like the Polavaram-Nallamalasagar (Banakacherla) link, which aims to transfer surplus Godavari waters to drought-prone areas in Andhra Pradesh but faces strong opposition from Telangana over potential impacts on its water share and adherence to tribunal awards.
The 15-member committee includes four senior officials each from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along with representatives from central bodies such as the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), National Water Development Agency (NWDA), and others. Key members from Telangana include Irrigation Advisor Adityanath Das (retired IAS), Principal Secretary Rahul Bojja, and others, while Andhra Pradesh is represented by Special Chief Secretary Sai Prasad and additional experts.
The panel has been tasked with collecting essential data from river management boards, potentially appointing senior engineers and specialists as needed, and delivering a comprehensive report within three months. This move follows the July 16, 2025, high-level meeting in Delhi chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, where the Chief Ministers of both states agreed to form the committee to resolve pending inter-state water issues amicably.
The disputes trace back to the 2014 bifurcation, involving sharing of Krishna and Godavari river waters, project clearances, and allegations of unfair diversion. Both states have emphasized dialogue for equitable solutions, but tensions remain high over projects affecting floodwater utilization and basin allocations.This first meeting could set the tone for long-term water security in the Telugu states—will it bring peace or spark fresh battles?Stay tuned for updates as the clock ticks toward January 30!
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