Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal Awarded Largest Krishna Surplus Share to AP

The second Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal (KWDT) headed by Justice Brijesh Kumar on 30 December 2010 divided the surplus water in the Krishna basin. The division was made in such a way that Andhra Pradesh will not be able to use the entire surplus flow of up to 448 thousand million cubic feet (TMC ft) the way it has been doing. Though the tribunal allocated Andhra Pradesh the largest share of the surplus, the State will be able to use only 190 TMC ft. Karnataka was allotted 177 TMC ft of surplus water and was also allowed to increase the height of the Almatti Dam by five metres to 524 metres. The increased height of Almatti Dam will provide for more water to the Karnataka state. Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal II gave Maharashtra 81 TMC ft, while total allocation for the State stands at 666 TMC ft.

The three States- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra were directed to utilise the water strictly in accordance with the allocations. The states were also directed to contribute five TMC ft each for supply of drinking water to Chennai. Of the 5 TMC, 3.3 TMC ft should be supplied between July and October and 1.7 TMC ft in four equal instalments between January and April in a year.

The Centre decided to set up Krishna Waters Decision Implementation Board for implementing the directives. The KWDT II award will be in force till 31 May 2050, after which it could be reviewed by a Competent Authority or Tribunal.