Mediating Telangana’s inter-State issues

The Telangana Government is preparing to present its case against unauthorized projects undertaken by neighbouring Karnataka across the Krishna River to the Central Government. Telangana aims to raise disputes under Section 3 of the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, allowing it to complain to the Union Government in such cases.

The Government plans to attend the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, on August 20, where the Union Government has invited Telangana to participate. The agenda includes Telangana's demand for national project status for the Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Projects. Karnataka has countered that Telangana lacks authority to utilize surplus water in the Krishna River and cannot undertake permanent construction for this purpose.

Both states are expected to engage in heated discussions during the meeting if river water sharing is on the agenda. Telangana is finalizing detailed notes to present a strong case at the meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Home Secretary. However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of such meetings, as past resolutions have largely focused on Central Government issues rather than state-specific concerns.

For instance, a subsidy issue between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh remains unresolved, with Telangana seeking a refund of its share, which Andhra Pradesh has yet to release. Similarly, the division of assets related to institutions not listed in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, has seen Telangana arguing for cash balances to be shared, while Andhra Pradesh insists on including some institutions in Schedule IX or X. The Union Home Ministry's prompt resolution of these issues could motivate states to raise their concerns at the national level, rather than allowing them to linger.