Telangana presses Karnataka to release Krishna water to protect standing crops

The agriculture department of Telangana has formally urged the Karnataka government to release water from the Krishna River, stating that a delay could jeopardise the standing crops in the state. Telangana officials highlighted that the current water levels are insufficient to meet the irrigation needs of fields that are already sown and awaiting harvest.

Karnataka, which controls the upstream flow of the Krishna, has the authority to regulate releases based on its own reservoir status. Telangana’s appeal underscores the inter‑state dependence on the river for agricultural sustenance, especially as the monsoon season approaches.

If Karnataka agrees to increase the outflow, Telangana expects that the additional water will help stabilise soil moisture, prevent crop loss and support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across its districts. The two states have previously engaged in water‑sharing discussions, but this request comes amid heightened concerns over a potential shortfall in water supply.