Maharashtra Chief Minister Appeals Against Karnataka's Dam Height Increase
Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has expressed grave concerns over Karnataka's proposal to raise the Almatti Dam's height, fearing it will worsen flooding in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts. He highlighted the adverse effects of siltation in the Krishna River, which has already reduced its flood-carrying capacity. The CM warned that the proposed increase could lead to significant water accumulation near the Maharashtra border, threatening local livelihoods. Meanwhile, Karnataka claims legal support for the height increase based on tribunal decisions, asserting it is part of a historical plan. The situation raises critical questions about water management and regional cooperation.
Aug 1, 2025, 16:14 IST
Concerns Over Flood Risks in Maharashtra
Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has urged the Union Minister for Water Power, C.R. Patil, to intervene regarding Karnataka's proposal to raise the height of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River from the current 519.6 meters to a reduced level (RL) of 524.256 meters. Fadnavis expressed serious concerns that this increase would exacerbate flooding in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra, impacting thousands of residents and agricultural land.
Focus on Flood Risks and Siltation Issues
In his letter, Fadnavis highlighted the adverse effects of the current operations of the Almatti Dam, which have led to significant siltation in the Krishna River and its tributaries. This has already reduced the river's flood-carrying capacity and delayed the receding of floodwaters in Maharashtra. He also pointed out the construction of barrages in the upper reaches of the river with inadequate waterways, which has further aggravated flooding and inundation issues, worsening the situation in the region.
Raising the Dam Height Could Worsen Flooding in Maharashtra
The Chief Minister warned that increasing the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) to RL 524.256 meters would result in nearly six meters of water accumulating near the Maharashtra border (the current riverbed level is RL 518.00 meters), thereby worsening the flood situation in Sangli and Kolhapur districts and jeopardizing the livelihoods and safety of the local population.
Karnataka's Position Based on Tribunal Decisions
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government asserts that the height increase has legal backing. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT II) allowed the dam's height to be raised to RL 524.256 meters in its 2010 and 2013 decisions after careful consideration of expert evidence. Karnataka argues that this increase is part of the original plan from 1969, and the tribunal dismissed Maharashtra's objections regarding potential flooding. The state has requested a gazette notification from the central government to proceed and emphasized its readiness to implement rehabilitation measures.