As deadline for creation of separate Telangana nears, the Centre on Thursday decided to extend the term of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal headed by retired SC Judge Brijesh Kumar till July 31 this year.
Highly-placed sources told The Hindu that the term of the tribunal has been extended to enable apportionment of water between Telangana and the successor state of Andhra Pradesh, proposed to come into being from June 2.
Sources said the tribunal has been asked to make the allocation on the basis of the projects located in each State and its requirement of water.
PTI adds: The Cabinet also gave its approval for the constitution of an apex council for Krishna-Godavari river water.
The council will comprise the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and the Union Water Resources Minister.
The Cabinet gave its nod for reconstitution of the Tungabhadra Board with Karnataka, Seemandhra and Telangana as members. Besides, Krishna and Godavari Water Management Boards will also be formed with each board having a chairman, two member secretaries, one independent expert and four chief engineers.
The members would be identified before the appointed day. As per the final award passed on November 29, A.P is entitled to get 1,005 tmcft.