Hyderabad, Sep 23 (NationPress) Telangana is advocating for a fair allocation of Krishna River waters in front of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II, having put forth a claim for approximately 70 percent of the water previously designated to united Andhra Pradesh, as stated by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday.

While addressing the media in New Delhi, where the KWDT-II resumed its hearings, the minister is actively participating in the tribunal's proceedings.

Reddy noted that the situation is nearing its conclusion, with Telangana presenting its final arguments since February of this year.

Over the last few months, Telangana has been articulating its case through senior advocate S. Vaidyanathan, who has been granted three days to elaborate on the state's position in detail.

Reddy highlighted that it is quite possibly unprecedented for a sitting Irrigation Minister to attend tribunal hearings personally, showcasing the commitment of the Congress government to this issue. He emphasized Telangana's determination to rectify historical injustices and secure its fair share.

Recalling previous allocations, he mentioned that the KWDT-II had granted 1,005 TMC of Krishna waters to the then united Andhra Pradesh, which included 811 TMC at 75 percent dependability, 49 TMC at 65 percent dependability, and 145 TMC from average flows. Additionally, 45 TMC was allocated from Godavari diversions. The tribunal also permitted the use of water beyond average flows. Since its formation in 2014, Telangana is now pursuing a new allocation based on basin parameters.

The minister asserted that Telangana's claim is grounded in rational, internationally recognized parameters such as catchment area, population density in the basin, drought-prone regions, and arable land. Based on these assessments, Telangana has requested 555 TMC from the 75 percent dependable waters, 43 TMC from 65 percent dependable waters, 120 TMC from average flows, and the full 45 TMC from Godavari diversions. In total, this amounts to 763 TMC of dependable water for Telangana, along with the liberty to utilize all surplus beyond average flows.

Reddy emphasized that these figures are not random but are based on scientific and equitable sharing principles acknowledged globally in river water disputes.

He criticized Andhra Pradesh for allocating a significant portion of its en bloc allocation of 811 TMC for outside-basin diversions. Telangana has urged the tribunal to prevent Andhra Pradesh from such practices and direct it to explore alternative water sources. "The saved water should be redirected to Telangana to support our drought-prone in-basin areas. Our state cannot be deprived of its rightful share while another state diverts water out of the Krishna basin," he stated.

Reddy also asserted that Telangana has the right to fully utilize the surplus waters of the Krishna beyond average flows and will firmly advocate for this claim before the tribunal. He described the demand as a legitimate corrective measure to decades of unfair treatment and asserted that the ongoing hearings present a chance to rectify the injustices faced by Telangana since the days of united Andhra Pradesh.

He expressed strong opposition to Karnataka’s proposal to increase the height of the Almatti Dam, warning that such a move would adversely affect Telangana’s interests. He affirmed that the state government would bolster its argument in the Supreme Court to challenge this proposal and prevent Karnataka from proceeding. "Our government’s position is unequivocal - Telangana will not allow any action that diminishes its share. We will seek judicial intervention to ensure that Karnataka is not permitted to raise the Almatti height," he concluded.