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General Studies 2 >> Governance

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KRISHNA RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD (KRMB)

KRISHNA RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD (KRMB)

 
 
1. Context
With the stalemate on the Nagarjunasagar Project (NSP) site continuing, the Andhra Pradesh Government, has agreed for two requests made by the Union Ministry of Jal Sakti (MoJS) to stop water releases as a good gesture till Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) takes a decision on the indent placed by Andhra Pradesh on December 4 and the proposal to meet on December 6 at Delhi to discuss all the issues
 
2. Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)
  • The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) is a statutory body established under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act of 2014.
  • Its primary purpose is to oversee the management, regulation, and distribution of water resources from the Krishna River among the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as other regions that fall within the river basin.
  • KRMB plays a crucial role in implementing various projects, managing water-sharing agreements, resolving disputes between the states, and ensuring equitable distribution of water resources among the stakeholders.
  • It functions to maintain a balance in the utilization of water for irrigation, drinking water supply, hydropower generation, and other purposes while considering the needs of the various regions and addressing potential conflicts that may arise among the stakeholders
  • The KRMB is headed by a Chairman, who is a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The Chairman is assisted by a Member Secretary and a team of technical and administrative officers.
  • The KRMB has four regional offices, located in Cuddapah, Kurnool, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad. These offices are responsible for monitoring the water resources in their respective regions and implementing the KRMB's decisions

3.Krishna River Basin

The Krishna River Basin is one of the major river basins in India, encompassing a vast area and playing a significant role in the water resources of the country. The Krishna River, originating in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, flows through several states, primarily Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

The basin covers various terrains, from the mountainous regions where the river originates to the plains where it meanders through, supporting agriculture, industry, and livelihoods along its course. The river basin is vital for irrigation, hydropower generation, drinking water supply, and supporting diverse ecosystems

Given the importance of the Krishna River and its tributaries, efficient management and equitable distribution of water resources among the states sharing the basin become crucial. The Krishna River Basin has been a subject of water disputes and has seen the establishment of regulatory bodies like the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) to manage water allocation, resolve conflicts, and ensure fair utilization of water resources among the states involved.

The Krishna Basin covers 258,948 square kilometers, which is about 8% of India's total geographical area. The basin is located in the following states: 
 
  • Karnataka: 113,271 km2
  • Telangana: 76,252 km2
  • Andhra Pradesh: 76,252 km2
  • Maharashtra: 69,425 km2
 
4. Challenges before KRMB 

The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) faces several challenges in effectively managing and regulating the Krishna River Basin. Some of these challenges include:

  • Disputes among the states sharing the Krishna River Basin regarding the allocation and distribution of water resources are a significant challenge. Balancing the water needs of different states, especially during times of scarcity, often leads to conflicts that need to be resolved through negotiations and agreements.
  • The growing population, urbanization, and expanding agriculture put pressure on water resources. Balancing the increasing demands for irrigation, drinking water supply, industrial use, and hydropower generation becomes challenging, particularly during dry seasons or drought periods.
  • Climate change brings uncertainties in rainfall patterns, leading to irregularities in water availability. Changes in precipitation levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts or floods, and rising temperatures can disrupt the natural flow of the river and affect water availability.
  • Ensuring environmental sustainability and maintaining the ecological balance of the Krishna River Basin is essential. Balancing the needs of human activities with preserving the river's ecosystem and biodiversity poses a significant challenge.
  • Developing and managing infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, canals, and other water diversion projects require careful planning to optimize water usage and minimize negative impacts on communities and the environment.
  • Ensuring effective governance, transparent decision-making, and the proper implementation of water management policies and agreements among the states is crucial for the KRMB. Coordination and cooperation among the states and stakeholders are essential for the successful functioning of the board
5. Tributaries of Krishna river

The Krishna River, one of India's longest rivers, is sustained by a network of tributaries that contribute to its immense volume and flow. These tributaries originate from various regions and play a crucial role in irrigating agricultural lands, supporting diverse ecosystems, and shaping the river's overall hydrological regime.

Here's a comprehensive list of the major tributaries of the Krishna River:

Left Bank Tributaries:

  1. Yerla River: Emerging from the Mahadev Hills in Maharashtra, the Yerla River joins the Krishna River near Sangli, Maharashtra.

  2. Bhima River: Rising from the Bhima Shankara Hills in Karnataka, the Bhima River is the Krishna River's longest tributary, stretching over 800 kilometers. It joins the Krishna River near Raichur, Karnataka.

  3. Dindi River: Originating from the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Dindi River joins the Krishna River near Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.

  4. Musi River: Flowing from the Ananthagiri Hills in Telangana, the Musi River joins the Krishna River near Hyderabad, Telangana.

  5. Paleru River: Rising from the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Paleru River joins the Krishna River near Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

  6. Munneru River: Originating from the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Munneru River joins the Krishna River near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Right Bank Tributaries:

  1. Kudali (Niranjana) River: Emerging from the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra, the Kudali River joins the Krishna River near Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

  2. Venna River: Originating from the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra, the Venna River joins the Krishna River near Satara, Maharashtra.

  3. Koyna River: Flowing from the Mahadeo Hills in Maharashtra, the Koyna River is known for its spectacular waterfalls and hydroelectric power projects. It joins the Krishna River near Chiplun, Maharashtra.

  4. Panchganga River: Formed by the confluence of five rivers – Krishna, Vishnu, Koyna, Bhima, and Ghataprabha – the Panchganga River joins the Krishna River near Sangli, Maharashtra.

  5. Dhudhganga River: Rising from the Mahabaleshwar region in Maharashtra, the Dudhganga River joins the Krishna River near Krishnagiri, Karnataka.

  6. Ghataprabha River: Originating from the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra, the Ghataprabha River is a significant tributary, joining the Krishna River near Vijayapura, Karnataka.

  7. Malaprabha River: Emerging from the Sahyadri Hills in Karnataka, the Malaprabha River joins the Krishna River near Bagalkot, Karnataka.

  8. Tungabhadra River: Formed by the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Bhadra rivers, the Tungabhadra River is a major tributary, joining the Krishna River near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

 
6. Way forward
Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among the states, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies like KRMB. It involves employing efficient water management strategies, implementing conservation measures, adopting modern technologies, and fostering sustainable practices to ensure the equitable and sustainable use of Krishna River Basin's water resources
 
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1.Which is the source of Krishna river ? (SSC CHSL 2020)
A.Amarkantak
B.Tala
C.Mahabaleshwar
D.Multai
Answer (C)
Source: The Hindu

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