Is Raising Almatti Dam Height Karnataka's Right? BJP MPs Challenge Maharashtra's Objections
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Synopsis
In a significant meeting, Karnataka's BJP MPs led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi confronted Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil about Maharashtra's unwarranted objections to the Almatti dam height increase. They assert their legal entitlement to raise the dam's height, backed by a tribunal ruling, emphasizing the necessity of swift action from the Supreme Court.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka has the legal right to increase the Almatti Dam height as per the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
- Maharashtra's objections to the height increase are viewed as ill-intentioned by Karnataka officials.
- A joint survey found no risk of flooding from the dam's height increase.
- The Karnataka government is urged to expedite the Supreme Court's hearing on the matter.
- The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act offers a legal framework for resolving such disputes.
Bengaluru, Aug 7 (NationPress) A group of BJP MPs from Karnataka, led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, recently met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil to discuss the concerns raised by Maharashtra regarding the proposed elevation of the Almatti Dam. The delegation asserted that Maharashtra's opposition to the dam height increase was ill-intentioned.
During their meeting in Delhi, the team informed C.R. Paatil that the Maharashtra government's resistance to the proposed height increase from 519 meters to 524 meters under the second phase of the Upper Krishna Project was both unnecessary and condemnable.
The MPs emphasized their point by referencing the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal's order, which clearly states that raising the Almatti Dam's height is an inherent right of Karnataka.
After the discussions, former Karnataka Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai spoke to the media, indicating that the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, alongside a group of Maharashtra MPs, had previously approached the Union Water Resources Minister to voice their dissent against the height increase.
Bommai reiterated that Maharashtra's objections to the dam height elevation are baseless and driven by ulterior motives.
According to the 'Krishna Tribunal 2', the approval to raise the Almatti Dam's height to 524 meters is officially sanctioned.
A comprehensive joint survey conducted by the Centre and three state governments, which included a hydrological study, concluded that increasing the dam's height would not result in flooding.
Even during the floods in 2005, the Central Water Commission had confirmed that there would be no flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur, Maharashtra, due to the dam's operations. Thus, Bommai argued that Maharashtra's objections are unwarranted and appear to arise from ill intent.
"The tribunal's order carries the same weight as a Supreme Court decree, and the right to elevate the Almatti Dam's height is firmly ours. We have communicated our stance clearly to the Union Minister. The Gazette notification is currently pending before the Supreme Court, and the government will adhere to the court's directives. The Minister has assured us that all actions will remain within legal boundaries," Bommai stated.
He urged the Karnataka government to exert all efforts to ensure the Supreme Court addresses the matter promptly and facilitates the issuance of the Gazette notification.
In response to inquiries about the Almatti dispute, Bommai highlighted the existence of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.
Under Section 3, once a formal complaint is lodged, the Central government establishes a tribunal that conducts hearings and issues rulings, which hold the same authority as a Supreme Court decree. He noted that similar processes occurred in the Cauvery case, which took about 10-12 years for the Supreme Court to direct the issuance of a Gazette notification. The Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to act accordingly, he added.
The delegation also featured BJP MPs Govind Karjol, P.C. Gaddigoudar, Ramesh Jigajinagi, along with officials from the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the complexities of inter-state water disputes such as the Almatti dam issue. The ongoing dialogue between Karnataka and Maharashtra highlights significant regional interests and the legal framework governing such disputes. The outcome could set important precedents for future inter-state water negotiations, necessitating a balanced and equitable approach.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Almatti Dam height increase proposal?
The proposal involves raising the Almatti Dam's height from 519 meters to 524 meters as part of the Upper Krishna Project's second phase.
Why is Maharashtra objecting to the height increase?
Maharashtra's government has raised concerns that increasing the dam's height may lead to flooding in its regions, although studies indicate otherwise.
What does the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal say?
The Tribunal's order confirms that raising the Almatti Dam's height is within Karnataka's rights.
What legal framework governs water disputes in India?
The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act provides the framework for resolving water disputes between states, allowing for the formation of tribunals.
What has been the historical context of the Almatti Dam conflict?
The conflict over the Almatti Dam dates back several years, with various legal and political battles influencing its current status and the rights of involved states.
