I prefer solutions to disputes, says Telangana CM on river water sharing issues with Karnataka and AP

(Second from left) Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shiv Kumar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy at the inauguration of 33 new Tungabhadradam gates on Thursday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

The central government has decided to set up a high-level committee to resolve the water sharing issues between the three southern states – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday (June 25, 2026) announced that the state government is fully cooperating with a committee that has been set up to find a permanent solution to water-related issues between the three riparian states under the Tungabhadra.

He was addressing a public meeting called in connection with the inauguration of 33 new gates of the Tungabhadra Dam on Thursday. Union Minister Jal Shakti CR Patil formally launched the project in the presence of Mr Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shiv Kumar.

Describing the event as historic, the Chief Minister expressed hope that Mr. Patil, known as a problem solver, would find a permanent solution to the vexing decades-long dispute between the three states over sharing of river water. “You (Mr Patil) will become the judge, the arbitrator who will find lasting solutions. We are ready to accept the solution,” he said, adding that it was the first time three chief ministers and a Union minister had discussed the issues and shared the dais.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that Telangana could not draw 5 to 6 TMCFT of water from the Tungabhadra despite being allocated 15.9 TMCFT through the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS). Issues like excessive water logging and water sharing issues were brought to the notice of the Union Minister during the meeting.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar along with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during the inauguration of 33 new spillway gates at Tungabhadra Dam in Koppal on Thursday. (@JaiTDP X/ANI Photo) | Photo credit: ANI

“The three chief ministers have decided to work together to find a solution to the problem in the interest of the farmers of Bellary, Anantapur, Kurnool and Mahbubnagar. We hope that the Union government will find a permanent solution to the problem,” Mr. Reddy said.

After announcing that the three chief ministers had decided to find amicable solutions, Mr Reddy said he preferred solutions to disputes with neighboring states and was ready to work with the proposed committee. “No serious solutions have been worked out so far. The first step was taken on Thursday,” Mr Reddy said.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 14:51 IST