Examine the principles envisaged under Schedule Eleven of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, with…

Question

Examine the principles envisaged under Schedule Eleven of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, with reference to the functioning of the river management boards.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Schedule Eleven of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 shares river water per the Krishna and Godavari tribunal awards, with River Management Boards regulating common projects and new projects needing Apex Council sanction. In practice the Boards have struggled, as their jurisdiction was notified only in July 2021.

**Introduction**

Schedule Eleven of the Andhra Pradesh⟦1⟧ Reorganization Act 2014 provides a legal and institutional framework for managing shared rivers between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana⟦2⟧, focusing on cooperative federalism and equitable water distribution. It aims to prevent conflicts over water resources by establishing river management boards with clear mandates.

**Principles and Functioning**

1. **Statutory River Boards**: The Act creates river management boards empowered to regulate, develop, and conserve interstate rivers, preparing basin-level plans and coordinating successor states. These boards serve as statutory bodies to ensure cooperative governance and joint decision-making.

2. **Sharing per Tribunal Awards**: Water is shared according to the Krishna and Godavari tribunal awards and existing agreements, with the Boards regulating releases from shared reservoirs; ongoing projects such as Handri-Neeva, Telugu Ganga, Galeru-Nagari, Veligonda, Kalwakurthy and Nettempadu are protected, while new projects need Board appraisal and Apex Council sanction.

3. **Functioning and Challenges**: Boards of experts and state officials regulate shared reservoirs like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, but their jurisdiction was notified only in July 2021 and disputes over power generation and new lift schemes have tested their authority.

**Way Forward**

2. **Ecological Integration**: Amendments should explicitly mandate ecological sustainability, aligning with the River Basin Management Scheme⟦4⟧ and promoting sustainable water use.

3. **Transparency and Public Participation**: Incorporating stakeholder consultations and transparent reporting can enhance accountability and build trust among riparian states and communities.

**Conclusion**

Schedule Eleven lays a foundation for integrated water governance, but addressing implementation challenges is vital for sustainable and equitable river management. Effective functioning of river management boards can ensure regional harmony and water security for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

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