Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Maharashtra Objects to Almatti Dam Height Increase, Reignites Water Dispute
Maharashtra's Chief Minister is against increasing the height of the Almatti dam, which has caused a dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Maharashtra fears that raising the dam could flood areas in Sangli and Kolhapur.
However, a Maharashtra government expert committee found that the dam wasn't the cause of flooding, blaming building construction instead.
This issue has resurfaced since the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal verdict, which allocated water to Karnataka.
The current opposition from Maharashtra marks a formal objection to the dam height increase.
Maharashtra CM objects to raising the Almatti dam's height.
The objection is over fears of flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur.
A Maharashtra expert committee found no basis for these fears.
The committee blamed encroachment and construction for flooding.
The objection marks a new development since 2013 water allocation.
- Who
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are key figures, as well as an expert committee appointed by the Maharashtra government.
- What
- Maharashtra is objecting to the proposed increase in the height of the Almatti dam.
- When
- The dispute is ongoing after the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal's verdict in 2013.
- Where
- The dispute involves the Almatti dam, affecting areas in both Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- Why
- Maharashtra fears the dam's height increase will flood upstream areas.
Maharashtra's Stance
Expert Committee Findings
Impact of Dam Height
Maharashtra's Stance
Raising the dam's height could flood upstream areas in Maharashtra.
Expert Committee Findings
The dam height increase will not cause flooding in the specified areas.
Cause of Flooding
Maharashtra's Stance
Increased water storage in the dam is linked to recurring floods.
Expert Committee Findings
Encroachment and construction cause flooding.
- Proposed Almatti Dam Height Increase
- 519 m to 524 m
- States Involved
- Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal Verdict
- 2013
- Water Allocated to Karnataka
- 173 tmcft
- Maharashtra Regions of Concern
- Sangli and Kolhapur