Clash of Waters: The Krishna River Dispute Heats Up

The Supreme Court has begun hearings on a plea challenging the Centre's 2023 notification regarding Krishna river water-sharing between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The petitioner argues that the Centre's move bypasses existing legal frameworks. The issue of water division, originally governed by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, remains contentious.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court commenced hearings on a plea challenging the central government's 2023 notification about the Krishna river water-sharing dispute between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The case is being closely watched as it may redefine water allocation schemes for the states.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant heard preliminary arguments from the petitioner, who claims the notification is 'unconstitutional' and disregards existing legal frameworks. The senior counsel highlighted that water division was already overseen by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which had established a specific mechanism for this purpose.

The court was informed that while the earlier proceedings were nearing conclusion, the Centre's fresh reference under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act has stalled the process, potentially upending decades-old arrangements. As the issue remains unresolved, the court has scheduled further hearings for next Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)