Karnataka has agreed to release about 3 TMC of Krishna water to Telangana, offering relief to drought-hit crops in the erstwhile Palamuru (Mahaboobnagar) region. The move follows an urgent Telangana delegation meeting with Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar.

Emergency Appeal for Water

With rainfall falling short and crops facing moisture stress, Telangana sought immediate Krishna water for the Jurala project. Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Vakiti Srihari, along with MLAs from the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district, met Shivakumar in Bengaluru and pressed for the release. The request came at a critical stage of the cropping season, when a delay in irrigation could have caused significant crop losses across Palamuru.

Karnataka Agrees to Phased Release

Shivakumar responded positively to Telangana's request and directed officials to facilitate the release of around 3 TMC of Krishna water from the Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs. The water is to be released in phases through a warabandi-type system, taking into account Karnataka's own water requirements and drought conditions. The decision is significant because Karnataka itself is facing water stress, making the release a sensitive inter-state water-management issue.

Relief for 5.5 Lakh Acres

The additional water is expected to support crops under the Jurala, Bhima, Nettempadu and Koilsagar ayacuts, covering nearly 5.5 lakh acres in the erstwhile Palamuru region. For farmers, the timing matters as much as the quantity. Even a limited release can help sustain standing crops through a critical period and reduce immediate irrigation pressure.

Jurala Releases Begin

Following the Karnataka assurance and improved inflows from upstream rainfall, Telangana officials began releasing water through the Jurala Right Canal. The immediate focus is to move the available water quickly to areas where crops are under stress.

Political and Inter-State Significance

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy thanked the Karnataka government and D.K. Shivakumar for responding to Telangana's request. He described the cooperation as a reflection of the friendly relationship between the two states. Beyond the immediate crop-saving effort, the episode highlights the continuing importance of inter-state coordination over Krishna river water. For Palamuru farmers, however, the immediate question is whether the promised 3 TMC will reach the ayacuts in time and provide enough support until the next significant rainfall.