Why this matters now
The Krishna is a Prelims map item and a GS-2 case study in inter-state river-water disputes (the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal). Its dams are central to South India’s irrigation and power.
Source and course
The Krishna rises at Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It flows generally east/south-east through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana/Andhra Pradesh, before forming a delta and emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
Tributaries
Its major tributaries include the Tungabhadra (its largest), the Bhima, the Koyna, the Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha and the Musi.
Major dams
Key projects on the Krishna system: the Nagarjuna Sagar (one of the world’s largest masonry dams), Srisailam, Almatti (Karnataka) and Koyna (a major hydropower project). The Tungabhadra dam serves Karnataka and AP.
The Krishna water dispute
Sharing the Krishna’s waters among Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has been contested for decades. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) was set up under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, and the issue resurfaced after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (2014) — a classic example of the federal challenges in river-water sharing.
UPSC angle
Remember source (Mahabaleshwar), it is the 2nd-longest peninsular river, Tungabhadra/Bhima tributaries, Nagarjuna Sagar/Almatti/Srisailam dams, and the four-state water dispute (KWDT).
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Krishna river originate?
At Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra; it flows east to the Bay of Bengal.
What are the major tributaries of the Krishna?
The Tungabhadra (largest), Bhima, Koyna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha and Musi.
Which states are involved in the Krishna water dispute?
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, adjudicated by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
Which major dams are on the Krishna?
Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Almatti and Koyna, among others.