Maharashtra Chief Minister objects to increasing Almatti dam height; Karnataka to take up the issue with Prime Minister

A file photo of the Lal Bahadur Shastri dam in Almatti.

Expressing concern over Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis objecting to increasing the height of the Almatti dam [Lal Bahadur Shastri dam], Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday appealed to Union Ministers and MPs from Karnataka to safeguard the State’s interests. He also announced that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Jal Shakti Minister in this regard.

“As per the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal’s order, Karnataka can increase the height of the Almatti dam to 524 metres. Maharashtra, which did not object when the order was pronounced, has suddenly written a letter to our Chief Minister now objecting to it. I appeal to all Union Ministers and MPs from Karnataka to protect the State’s interest in this regard,” Mr. Shivakumar told a press conference.

“Mr. Fadnavis wrote to Mr. Siddaramaiah on May 9 raising objection to increasing the height of the dam. Expressing concern that Sangli and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra would face flooding if the height was raised, Mr. Fadnavis has asked for re-evaluating the plan to raise the height. This letter has come as a shock to us. Maharashtra had never raised objection to this project till now. Maharashtra had even submitted an affidavit to the tribunal seeking increase in the Almatti dam height. But it is opposing it all of a sudden,” said Mr. Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources Department.

Right as per tribunal

“This project is our right accorded by the Krishna tribunal. Our Chief Minister will reply to the letter by his Maharashtra counterpart,” he said, and sought to draw the attention of BJP leader from Karnataka V. Somanna, who is the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways.

“The Almatti project is needed for the State. We don’t want any friction with our neighbouring State. The delay in implementation of the project has resulted in cost escalation. We would need ₹1 lakh crore for land acquisition for this project,” he said.

He pointed out that Karnataka had been waiting for the gazette notification regarding increasing the Almatti dam height since 2013. “How long should we wait? We will share the letter from Maharashtra Chief Minister and our reply to it with all our MPs.” he said.

Published - June 02, 2025 07:35 pm IST