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Key Points

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has urged the Centre to stop Karnataka from increasing the Almatti dam’s height, fearing severe floods in Sangli and Kolhapur. A pending study by the National Institute of Hydrology could reveal the full impact of the dam’s backwater. Fadnavis warns that silt buildup from the dam has already reduced river capacity, worsening floods. He seeks intervention to protect lives and farmland along the Krishna River.

Key Points: Fadnavis Urges Centre to Stop Karnataka’s Almatti Dam Height Increase

  • Fadnavis cites flood risks for Maharashtra if Almatti dam height is raised
  • Study by National Institute of Hydrology pending on flood impact
  • Karnataka’s plan may worsen siltation in Krishna River
  • Thousands in Sangli and Kolhapur face livelihood threats
3 min read

Maha govt urges Centre to instruct K'taka not to increase height of Almatti dam

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis warns of worsening floods in Sangli and Kolhapur if Karnataka raises Almatti dam height, seeks Centre’s intervention.

"“The decision to increase the height of the dam will not be wise.” – Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, July 31

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged the Centre to instruct the Karnataka government not to increase the height of the Almatti dam, saying that if the height is increased, the area along the Krishna river, including Sangli and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra, may be affected.

In a letter to the Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Paatil, the Chief Minister expressed the pain and suffering of the citizens of this area regarding the flood situation caused by the backwater of the Almatti Dam, siltation in the river, and the construction of dams.

“The Maharashtra government has entrusted the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, with the task of studying the flood situation arising from the backwater of the Almatti dam using simulation and hydronomics methods. This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the flood situation. The report in this regard has not been received yet, so the decision to increase the height of the dam will not be wise,” said the Chief Minister.

He asserted that the Karnataka government's decision to increase the height of the Almatti reservoir from 519.6 meters to 524.256 meters is very worrying for the state. He also expressed fear that if such a height is increased, it will only add to the annual flood situation in Sangli and Kolhapur districts and thereby worsen the plight of the citizens.

“The water from the Almatti dam has increased the amount of silt accumulation in the Krishna River and its tributaries. This has affected the water-carrying capacity of the rivers. This has slowed down the rate of floodwater drainage. Apart from this, a large amount of silt has also started accumulating in the embankment. As a result of all this, flood situations have started arising in many parts of Maharashtra,” he said.

The Chief Minister has pointed out that the Karnataka government has decided to increase the reservoir level of Almatti Dam by six meters. Due to this, six meters of water will remain in the Krishna River continuously during this period. This will make the flood situation even more serious and frightening. This will affect thousands of citizens of Sangli and Kolhapur districts, as well as fertile farmland.

Fadnavis has therefore requested the Union Minister to instruct the Karnataka government to reconsider its decision to increase the height (full reservoir level) of the Almatti Dam as a measure to protect the lives, property and livelihood of the villages and citizens along the banks of the Krishna River in both states.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
This is a serious inter-state issue that needs central intervention. Both states should sit together and find a solution that doesn't harm farmers on either side. Water disputes are becoming too frequent in our country 😔
A
Arjun K
As someone from Kolhapur, I've seen firsthand how the floods destroy crops year after year. The silt problem is real - our fields get ruined with deposits. Central government must stop Karnataka's unilateral decisions.
D
David E
Isn't it time for a permanent river water sharing agreement between states? These ad-hoc decisions create unnecessary tensions. The scientific study mentioned in the article seems like the right approach before any changes.
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Priya S
While I support Maharashtra's concerns, I wish our politicians showed similar urgency in solving our own state's water management issues. We have many pending irrigation projects that could help farmers during droughts.
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Vikram M
The Krishna river dispute has been going on for decades. Instead of politicizing water, we need technocratic solutions. Why can't we have an independent water management authority for inter-state rivers? 🤔
N
Nisha Z
My relatives in Sangli had to evacuate last year due to floods. It's heartbreaking to see their homes damaged repeatedly. Karnataka should wait for the scientific study before making any decisions. Lives are at stake!

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