Bangalore:
It's a verdict that ends 43 years of conflict over the waters of the River Krishna and the states that depend on it for their farmers: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal, set up six years ago, has decided how the river's waters will be divided till 2050.
Andhra Pradesh gets the largest share, but the allocation for Karnataka and Maharashtra has been increased.
Every year Andhra will now be entitled to 1001 tmc (thousand million cubic feet), Karnataka will get 911 tmc and Maharashtra gets 666 tmc.
Andhra has 35,000 crores invested in irrigation projects on the River Krishna, so another aspect of today's verdict worries the state.
In 1972, it was given exclusive use of the surplus waters of Krishna. Now, it has to share that water with Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The verdict also allows the height of the Almatti dam to be raised - Karnataka wanted this since the dam is designed to irrigate its drought-prone areas, and Andhra had opposed any changes, because it would impact Andhra's share. "The award has vindicated the stand of Karnataka. Finally we have got justice," said BS Yeddyurappa, the chief minister.
Maharashtra doesn't share that enthusiasm. "The height of Almatti Dam - the current level of 519.6 metres has been allowed to be increased to 524.25 metres. We had wanted the height to be even reduced below 519 because we had the unfortunate incident of flooding in Sangli a few years back. So we are disappointed with this particular aspect," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.