The Central government has taken a key decision to check the frequent water disputes over the Godavari and Krishna projects. The Center on Thursday issued a gazette notification defining the jurisdiction of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB).
The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) has directed Telangana and AP states to deposit Rs 200 crore each within 60 days in their bank accounts for the Krishna Board to function efficiently. With the release of the notification, joint projects in the Krishna and Godavari basins, their management, power plants and staff have all come under the purview of the boards. The notification will come into effect from October 14.
Central forces will oversee the water management and security of the projects. It said the two states should suspend all work on projects not approved by the Center by the time the notification is issued.
As per the decision taken at the Second Apex Council meeting, the unauthorized projects should be sent to the Apex Council for approval within 6 months. It clarified that those projects should be cancelled if permission is not obtained within six months and no water should be taken through them.
Telangana has strongly opposed the board bringing the projects under control. Left with no power, Telangana is likely to approach the Supreme Court to suspend the notification.