M.B. Patil says Maharashtra’s argument against raising Almatti height baseless

Maharashtra’s objection to Karnataka’s plans to increase the height of the Almatti dam from 519 m to 524 m, saying it could cause flooding in Maharashtra, are baseless, Minister M.B. Patil said in Vijayapura on Friday.

“Maharashtra Ministers have alleged that rising the dam height will cause flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur. But this has no scientific basis. There are records to prove that these areas were being flooded even before the dam was built. What is more, similar arguments by Maharashtra before the Krishna river water disputes tribunal and Supreme Court have been rejected,” he said. “Karnataka will always fight for its rights to the river water and will clearly establish its position at appropriate stages,” Mr. Patil said.