Hyderabad: The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) on Thursday pulled by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for drawing water from major reservoirs across the river Krishna without prior intimation.

Seeking explanation from both the Telugu states, the Board found fault for not informing it in advance about the release of water from Jurala, Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar dams. It also said the two states have not been following the schedule laid down for power generation and release of water to meet the drinking needs. Citing releases from Pothireddypadu head regulator by AP, and from Jurala by Telangana, the Board pointed out that more than five tmc ft water has be drawn without its permission. In its letter to the engineers-in-chief of Telangana and AP , the Board detailed the reservoir-wise releases during the season.

KRMB wondered how the states could take unilateral decision with regard to sensitive issue like water diversion when major reservoirs in both states did not get copious inflows. The Board asked the two states to explain the reasons for the diversion at its next meeting to be held on August 24.

It pointed out that AP irrigation officials released water from Pothireddypadu for Rayalaseema districts while Telangana diverted water to Koilsagar, Bhima and Nettempadu lift irrigation projects. It wondered how the states could take `unilateral’ decision with regard to sensitive issue like water diversion when major reservoirs in both states did not get copious inflows. The Board asked the two states to explain the reasons for the diversion at its next meeting to be held on August 24.

However, AP irrigation officials contend that the lack of jurisdiction of the Board is creating trouble for both states. “There is no clarity over the powers of the Board. The release of water to Pothireddypadu after the water level at Srisailam crossed 854 feet has been standardized through operational protocols.There was no deviation or diversion from the laid down guidelines,“ Sashibushan Kumar, AP Irrigation secretary said.

AP earlier, requested release of 10 tmc ft water to meet the needs of pilgrims during the Krishna Puskaram. As the water was not sufficient, it released another five tmc ft. It has also sought seven tmc ft of water to meet the drinking water needs of Prakasam and Guntur districts.