Karnataka To Take Almatti Dam Dispute With Maharashtra To PM Modi

DK Shivakumar stated that Karnataka seeks to increase the dam’s height from 519.6 metres to 524 metres in Vijayapura district to enhance water storage and agricultural irrigation.

Shivakumar said the state will push for the intervention of the Centre and rally the support of Union Ministers and MPs from Karnataka, regardless of political affiliation.

Source : Facebook

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced plans to take the state’s proposal to raise the height of Almatti Dam to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following objections from Maharashtra government. Shivakumar, who also holds Water Resources portfolio, stated that Karnataka seeks to increase the dam’s height from 519.6 metres to 524 metres in Vijayapura district to enhance water storage and agricultural irrigation. The project, long in planning, would reportedly add 100 tmcft to the dam’s capacity and benefit over 6 lakh hectares of farmland.

Maharashtra, which had previously not opposed the plan, has now officially communicated its objection to Karnataka’s Chief Minister.

'Asserting What Is Legally Ours': DCM On Almatti Dam

In response, Shivakumar said the state will push for the intervention of the Centre and rally the support of Union Ministers and MPs from Karnataka, regardless of political affiliation.

Posting on social media, Shivakumar reiterated that Karnataka’s move is backed by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, which authorised the state to raise the dam’s height. 

"We do not seek confrontation with our neighbouring state. But we must assert what is legally and justly ours. We will be meeting the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister soon to demand immediate action. Karnataka has been waiting since 2013 for a Gazette notification on Almatti dam height - how much longer must our farmers and people wait?" he said, as per his post on social media. 

The Almatti Dam, officially known as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam, is a vital hydroelectric and irrigation project on the Krishna River in North Karnataka. While the height increase promises expanded water access and improved drought resilience, it has also raised local concerns, particularly about the potential submergence of parts of Bagalkot town.