---
title: "Andhra Pradesh Faces Criticism Over Delayed Krishna River Irrigation Releases"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/andhra-pradesh-faces-criticism-over-delayed-krishna-river-irrigation-releases-ip4u6
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-02T08:44:17.000Z
modified: 2026-08-02T11:01:07.188Z
language: en-IN
---

# Andhra Pradesh Faces Criticism Over Delayed Krishna River Irrigation Releases

Opposition leaders are questioning the government's refusal to release Krishna River water despite high reservoir levels. Farmers in the Krishna delta face financial ruin as officials prioritize long-term drinking water reserves over seasonal paddy cultivation.

## Key takeaways

- Srisailam reservoir is receiving 1.74 lakh cusecs while the state delays releases for the Handri-Neeva and Muchumarri lift schemes.
- The government advised against kharif paddy cultivation despite Pulichintala holding 29 tmc ft of water meant for delta stabilization.
- Opposition leaders argue that prioritizing drinking water until 2027 ignores the immediate economic needs of 10.5 lakh acres of farmland.
- M.V.S. Nagi Reddy calls for a combination of Pattiseema and Pulichintala water to prevent a deepening crisis for tenant farmers.

## Storage Disparities and the Delta Crisis

M.V.S. Nagi Reddy, YSRCP general secretary and former vice-chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Agriculture Mission, has formally challenged the state government's management of the Krishna River basin. In a statement released on August 2, 2026, Reddy pointed to significant inflows at the Srisailam reservoir, which currently receives nearly 1.74 lakh cusecs from the Jurala project. Despite these volumes, the state has yet to initiate releases through the Handri-Neeva and Muchumarri lift schemes, even as Telangana actively draws water for its own irrigation projects.

### The Battle Over Crop Sustainability

A primary point of contention involves the 10.5 lakh acres of ayacut in the Krishna delta. The government recently advised farmers to avoid paddy cultivation this kharif season, a move Reddy describes as detached from the region's economic reality. Agriculture in this belt centers on paddy, sugarcane, and aquaculture; Reddy argues that no viable alternative exists for these lands. He further noted that the Pulichintala project holds 29 tmc ft. of water, yet officials intend to reserve this entire volume for drinking water needs extending into June 2027.

## Demands for Immediate Hydraulic Intervention

The opposition claims that the state's reluctance to utilize Pattiseema project lifts alongside Pulichintala releases is creating an artificial water shortage. Thousands of tenant farmers have already committed capital to their fields and now face potential ruin. Reddy's demands include: - Immediate water releases to the Krishna delta to stabilize the current crop cycle. - Activation of the K.C. Canal and Handri-Neeva project to assist drought-prone zones. - A transparent reassessment of the 2027 drinking water reserve strategy in light of heavy basin inflows.

Source: The Hindu — National

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/andhra-pradesh-faces-criticism-over-delayed-krishna-river-irrigation-releases-ip4u6
Reported from: The Hindu — National