Utilisation of Krishna and Godavari Waters

Abstract

The summary of the utilization of Krishna and Godavari waters highlights the deliberations of a 1951 conference under India’s Planning Commission, convened with representatives from Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Mysore to assess water management for the second Five-Year Plan. Detailed analyses indicated that the dependable annual supply of the Godavari River is approximately 2,250 T.M.Cft, while the Krishna River’s dependable flow is about 1,450 T.M.Cft after accounting for existing uses. Current projects in both basins were found largely aligned with these supplies, but projected irrigation demands, particularly in the Krishna basin, exceeded availability, emphasizing the need for strategic allocations. Inter-state agreements established specific allocations for each state, reserving residual flows for future projects based on developmental priorities. Financial assessments identified several projects as economically viable, whereas others, like Ramapada Sagar, required alternative measures such as betterment fees. The conference underscored the importance of equitable distribution, technical feasibility, and ecological considerations in water resource management. Overall, the outcomes provided a framework for coordinated utilization of river waters to support agricultural growth, regional development, and national planning objectives, emphasizing continuous monitoring and adherence to allocations for sustainable water management.