Should the Centre Ask Karnataka to Halt Almatti Dam Height Increase?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is advocating for intervention from the Centre to prevent Karnataka from raising the Almatti dam's height. This decision could lead to increased flooding in Maharashtra's Sangli and Kolhapur districts, endangering lives and livelihoods. What are the implications of this potential change?
Key Takeaways
- Height increase of Almatti dam poses flood risks for Maharashtra.
- Study on flood dynamics is ongoing to assess impacts.
- Intervention from Centre is sought to protect local populations.
- Environmental concerns over siltation in the Krishna River.
- Collaboration needed between states for water resource management.
Mumbai, July 31 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called upon the Centre to direct the Karnataka government to refrain from raising the height of the Almatti dam. He cautioned that such an increase could adversely impact the regions along the Krishna river, particularly the Sangli and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra.
In a letter addressed to the Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Paatil, the Chief Minister conveyed the distress experienced by local residents due to flooding linked to the backwater effects of the Almatti Dam, alongside issues of river siltation and dam construction.
“The Maharashtra government has tasked the National Institute of Hydrology in Roorkee with analyzing the flood dynamics caused by Almatti Dam's backwater through simulation and hydronomics techniques. This comprehensive study aims to shed light on the flood situation, but the report is still awaited. Therefore, it would be imprudent to raise the dam's height at this time,” Fadnavis stated.
He expressed concern over the Karnataka government's proposal to elevate the Almatti reservoir's height from 519.6 meters to 524.256 meters, emphasizing that this decision poses a significant threat to Maharashtra. He fears that such an increase would exacerbate the annual flooding issues faced by the Sangli and Kolhapur districts, further endangering the local population.
“The water from the Almatti dam has increased silt buildup in the Krishna River and its tributaries, diminishing the rivers' capacity to manage water flow effectively. This has delayed floodwater drainage and resulted in excessive silt accumulation in embankments, leading to flooding in various regions of Maharashtra,” he elaborated.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Karnataka government's decision to raise the Almatti dam's reservoir level by six meters will mean that this volume of water will persist in the Krishna River, intensifying the flood risk. This action threatens the lives of thousands of residents in Sangli and Kolhapur, as well as agricultural lands.
Consequently, Fadnavis has urged the Union Minister to prompt the Karnataka government to reevaluate its plans to enhance the Almatti Dam's height, prioritizing the safety, property, and livelihoods of those living along the banks of the Krishna River in both states.
Point of View
The call from Maharashtra's Chief Minister illustrates the delicate balance of cooperative federalism in India. The implications of the Almatti dam's height increase extend beyond state lines, impacting thousands of lives and agricultural livelihoods. The situation underlines the need for comprehensive studies and collaborative solutions in managing inter-state water resources effectively.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Almatti dam height increase a concern for Maharashtra?
The proposed height increase could exacerbate flooding in Maharashtra's Sangli and Kolhapur districts, affecting thousands of residents and agricultural lands.
What measures are being taken to assess the flood situation?
The Maharashtra government has commissioned the National Institute of Hydrology to study the flood dynamics using simulation and hydronomics methods.
What has Chief Minister Fadnavis requested from the Centre?
He has urged the Union government to instruct Karnataka not to raise the Almatti dam's height to protect the lives and livelihoods of those along the Krishna River.
