The Kasimkota agreement is a historic accord that was signed between the Telangana government and the Andhra Pradesh government in 2017. The agreement aimed to resolve the long-standing dispute between the two states over the distribution of water from the Godavari River. The Godavari River is one of the major rivers in India that originates from the Western Ghats and flows through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The dispute between the two states arose due to the construction of the Polavaram irrigation project on the Godavari River by the Andhra Pradesh government. The project was seen as a threat to the interests of the Telangana government and the farmers of the state. The Telangana government alleged that the project would lead to the submergence of several villages and agricultural lands in the state.
The Kasimkota agreement was signed after several rounds of negotiations between the two states. As per the agreement, the Andhra Pradesh government agreed to release a minimum of 190 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water to Telangana from the Godavari River every year. The water would be shared between the two states in the ratio of 50:50. The agreement also stated that the Andhra Pradesh government would not proceed with the construction of the Polavaram project until all the pending issues were resolved.
The signing of the Kasimkota agreement was seen as a significant step towards resolving the water-sharing dispute between the two states. The agreement was hailed by both the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments as a win-win solution for both states. The agreement ensured that the water needs of both states were taken care of, and the interests of the farmers were protected.
The Kasimkota agreement is a prime example of how the resolution of disputes through negotiations can benefit all parties involved. The agreement not only resolved the long-standing water-sharing dispute but also paved the way for better relations between the two states. It is essential for governments and policymakers to work towards resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiations, rather than resorting to violence and aggression. The Kasimkota agreement is a shining example of how conflicts can be resolved through peaceful means and can benefit all parties involved in the process.