GRMB Postpones August 18 Board Meeting Amid Water Dispute

The GRMB has postponed its August 18 board meeting as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continue discussions over disputed water allocation issues and project approvals in the Godavari basin region now.

GRMB has postponed its 18th board meeting, which was scheduled for August 18. The decision has reportedly been communicated to both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The meeting had gained attention after the board asked both states to submit agenda proposals. Andhra Pradesh raised several issues concerning Telangana’s share of Godavari water and sought a review of approvals given to projects including Kaleshwaram, Sitarama Lift Irrigation and Choutuppalli Hanumanth Reddy projects after the formation of Telangana.

The proposals became part of the discussions surrounding the meeting. The GRMB was also considering a technical committee to examine water availability in the Godavari basin, broadly reflecting concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh.

The developments drew strong opposition from the BRS, which demanded that the issues proposed by Andhra Pradesh be removed from the agenda. The Telangana government also conveyed its objections to the board and asked that those matters not be included.

Following Telangana’s response, the GRMB sought Andhra Pradesh’s views on the objections raised by the state. However, an official response from Andhra Pradesh had reportedly not reached the board yet.

Another factor behind the postponement is the reported plan by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to hold a separate meeting on August 18. With several issues still pending between the two states, the GRMB is understood to have decided to defer its board meeting.

The postponement comes at a time when water sharing and project approvals remain sensitive issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, making further discussions important before the board takes up the disputed matters.