PNS|New Delhi
The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal has denied access to key meeting records that discuss Telangana’s demand for a 50:50 share in Krishna river waters, stating that the matter is still under investigation. In response to an RTI query, the Tribunal said such information is exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act.
In its reply to applicant Robin Zaccheus, the Tribunal said details of the KWDT-2 meetings held in January 2024 and April 2025, particularly those discussing Telangana’s demand and Andhra Pradesh’s opposition to new Terms of Reference issued in October 2023, could not be shared. The Tribunal cited Sections 8(1)(e) and 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act, which exempt information held in fiduciary capacity and information which could impede an ongoing investigation.
However, the Tribunal did share details of the expenditure incurred by it and the Ministry in handling the Krishna waters dispute. The spending from 2019-20 to 2024-25 (up to April 29, 2025) was revealed, showing a steady increase year after year:
The response comes even as Telangana has been aggressively pursuing its case for an increased share of Krishna waters and contesting Andhra Pradesh’s opposition to fresh adjudication.
2019-20: Rs. 3.48 crore
2020-21: Rs. 2.93 crore
2021-22: Rs. 3.37 crore
2022-23: Rs. 4.39 crore
2023-24: Rs. 4.68 crore
2024-25 (till April): Rs. 62 lakh
