Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Jan 7: Even as the dispute over sharing of Krishna river waters between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continues to intensify, funds released by the Telangana government for the Phase-2 telemetry system have reportedly been diverted to meet salary expenses of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), raising serious concerns.
The telemetry system was proposed to ensure accurate accounting of water usage by both states. Telangana has consistently alleged that Andhra Pradesh is drawing excess water beyond its allocated quota, especially for projects located outside the Krishna basin.
Telangana has been demanding installation of telemetry systems for over a decade. However, Andhra Pradesh has allegedly failed to release its share of funds for Phase-2 telemetry, forcing the KRMB to temporarily divert Telangana’s contribution towards paying staff salaries.
In a letter sent on Tuesday to the Engineers-in-Chief of the Irrigation Departments of both states, the KRMB stated that it is facing an acute financial crisis. The Board said it has been unable to pay salaries for the past three quarters due to non-release of funds by both states, despite an approved budget of Rs 23.314 crore for FY 2024–25 and 2025–26.
“The available Rs 4.15 crore released by the Telangana government for Phase-2 telemetry is being temporarily diverted to meet salary expenses,” the KRMB said, adding that Phase-1 telemetry is under annual maintenance contract until March 2027, with additional liabilities.
At its ninth meeting in October 2018, the KRMB had approved Phase-2 telemetry for nine stations—two in Telangana and seven in Andhra Pradesh—at an estimated cost of Rs 7.55 crore.
Telangana released its share of Rs 4.15 crore, but the matching contribution from Andhra Pradesh, along with provision of land and dry canals, is still pending even after seven years.
Due to the incomplete Phase-2 work, Phase-1 telemetry data has not been put to use, despite being operational. The Board had earlier decided that both phases should be commissioned simultaneously by June 2019.
Meanwhile, the KRMB has sought clarification from the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on Telangana’s proposal to enhance capacities of certain Krishna river projects, following objections raised by Andhra Pradesh. The Board said no decision can be taken in the absence of a final verdict from the Krishna Water Tribunal.
Separately, the Telangana government has accorded administrative approval of Rs 1.74 crore for the construction of a check dam at Muthyala Vagu near Tekulagudam village in Khammam district.