A high-stakes meeting to settle Krishna River water sharing between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ended with nothing decided on August 24, 2026. The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has now pushed its final decision to September 4. With rain falling short this year, the board didn’t mince words: Water from the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar dams must go only for drinking, not irrigation. Reservoir levels are simply too low for anything else. The board mandated that current water resources in Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar be used primarily for drinking needs, while Telangana proposed a 50:50 sharing ratio and Andhra Pradesh stuck to a 66:34 formula.

KRMB’s 3-Member Committee Gathers in Hyderabad

The meeting took place at Jalasoudha, Hyderabad, headed by KRMB Member Secretary Satish Kamboj. Telangana’s Engineer-in-Chief O.V. Ramesh Babu spoke for his state, while Andhra Pradesh sent Engineer-in-Chief K. Narasimha Murthy. The agenda focused on three things: First, reviewing the grim water situation at Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar. Second, figuring out a sharing formula to make sure both states have enough drinking water until next year’s rains. Third, tackling urgent pleas from both sides about how much water they should draw now.

Telangana's Case: Demand for Equal Share

Telangana officials pushed hard for a 50:50 split of what's left in the river. Their main point: Most people living along the Krishna basin are in Telangana, so it’s only fair to give both states an equal amount for drinking. Telangana rejected Andhra Pradesh’s request for 47 TMC of water outright, saying AP had already pulled 10 TMC over its limit through the Pothireddypadu head regulator. Telangana formally complained to the KRMB about this overdraw.

Andhra's Argument: Stick to the Old Formula

Andhra Pradesh refused Telangana’s 50:50 plan and stuck to the established ratio of 66:34—66% for AP, 34% for Telangana. AP argued that the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal set that formula, and it can’t just be changed because one state wants it. Andhra Pradesh pressed its need for 47 TMC of water right away, stressing that without it, districts like Palnadu and Rayalaseema would struggle to provide drinking water until October. They claimed their demands are in line with what’s actually left in the reservoirs.

What Comes Next?

Neither state budged. The board couldn’t settle the ratio or water allocations. KRMB told Telangana to submit a detailed, project-wise breakdown of its water needs and set the next meeting for September 4, 2026. The hope is that, with more information, the board can finally resolve the dispute and make a clear decision to ensure people get the drinking water they need.