Srisailam Dam Water Storage Declines Amid Inter-State Usage
Source:deccanchronicle ↗
Why It Matters
Srisailam reservoir levels and Krishna river basin management are perennial hot-button issues for APPSC aspirants studying regional geography, irrigation infrastructure, and state reorganization acts.
Summary
The article details the receding water levels at the Srisailam reservoir on the Krishna River due to deficient fresh inflows, highlighting regional water security challenges, irrigation demands in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and institutional river management mechanisms.
Key Points
- Water levels in the Srisailam reservoir have been falling rapidly due to a lack of fresh inflows from upper riparian regions.
- The reservoir is crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, particularly sustaining regions like Rayalaseema.
- Low water levels highlight ongoing concerns regarding inter-state water sharing, basin management, and the regulatory role of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB).
Important Terms
Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)
An autonomous body established under Section 85 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to regulate water allocation, operation, and management of projects in the Krishna river basin between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
UPSC context
Crucial for APPSC Group 1 & 2 (Geography & Polity of AP, inter-state water disputes, river management bodies).
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
Legislation enacted in 2014 by the Parliament of India that bifurcated the state of Andhra Pradesh into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, providing specific schedules and guidelines for river water sharing and resource distribution.
UPSC context
Fundamental for APPSC exams, covering state bifurcation history, constitutional provisions, administrative divisions, and inter-state disputes.
Apex Council
A high-level body comprising the Union Minister of Water Resources and the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, constituted under the AP Reorganisation Act to supervise river boards and policy matters.
UPSC context
Important for APPSC governance and federal relations, focusing on dispute resolution mechanisms between successor states.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the key statutory bodies governing Krishna river waters between AP and Telangana?
- KRMB Jurisdiction: Constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to regulate water release and management from common reservoirs.
- Apex Council Role: Comprises the Union Water Resources Minister as chairperson and Chief Ministers of AP and Telangana as members for supreme oversight.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Water Disputes and Federal Governance Dynamics
Inter-state water disputes under Article 262 frequently intersect with the jurisdiction of river boards constituted under reorganization acts, raising federalism and resource governance questions in APPSC exams.
Expect a statement-based question linking Krishna River Management Board powers under the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, and riparian geography.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2023APPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Apex Council of Godavari and Krishna river water resources and their management consists of
- 2024APPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Within India, Ganga river basin has the largest catchment area. After that, following is the correct sequence in the decreasing order:
