Water War: Telangana vs Karnataka Over Almatti
It is now known that the Karnataka government has decided to raise the height of the Almatti Dam from 519 meters to 524 meters. BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) alleges that this increase will cause severe losses to Telangana, especially affecting Krishna river water allocations. BRS leaders are questioning whether Congress leaders in Karnataka remain silent because their party is in power there. In this context, Water Resources Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy recently responded, stating that the Telangana government strongly opposes raising the Almatti Dam. He added that Telangana’s arguments will be presented in Delhi. These remarks were made during his visit to Suryapet district.
What are Telangana Government’s objections? The Telangana government is firmly opposing the increase in Almatti Dam’s height. Minister Uttam stated, “The state government is against this height increase. Today we will go to Delhi and present our arguments.” Telangana claims that raising the dam will allow Karnataka to store an additional 100 TMC of water, significantly reducing Telangana’s share of Krishna waters. Congress leaders point out that projects like Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation (K-LI) and others, dependent on Krishna water, will face shortages. “Even now, until August, Krishna water is not reaching Telangana fields. Raising the height will affect irrigation projects spanning 2.74 million acres, causing losses to farmers,” the state government warns.
Former minister Kavita had earlier remarked, “If the dam height increases, we may have to play cricket in the Krishna river.” According to the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) 2010 allocation, Karnataka is entitled to use only 173 TMC of water. Telangana alleges that increasing the dam height violates this tribunal order. The government fears that raising the dam will turn parts of the Krishna basin in Telangana barren, affecting farmers’ livelihoods. BRS leader KTR criticized, saying, “The Karnataka Congress government has issued a death warrant for Telangana farmers.”
Maharashtra approaches the Supreme Court Maharashtra has also opposed the height increase, approaching the Supreme Court, arguing that it may cause floods in Sangli and Kolhapur regions. Karnataka defends its decision with the slogan “Our water – our right.” Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said, “Raising Almatti’s height is a lifeline for farmers in our five districts. We will use water that would otherwise go to the sea for our farmers.” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah added that Karnataka’s share of Krishna waters is clearly defined under the tribunal award and that Maharashtra’s objections after 15 years are surprising.
BRS criticism BRS leaders maintain that raising Almatti Dam will cause severe harm to Telangana. Krishna river waters will permanently reduce, hitting farmers hard. B. Vinod Kumar of BRS said, “Karnataka’s decision will cause permanent damage to Telangana.” The irrigation projects covering 2.74 million acres will be impacted, and it will be difficult for Telangana to secure its share of Krishna water. With ongoing disputes with Andhra Pradesh, this could escalate tensions further. If Karnataka stores additional water, downstream states will get less.
What Uttam Kumar Reddy will raise in Delhi Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy will present Telangana’s objections to the Almatti Dam height increase in Delhi. He will have the opportunity to explain to the central government how Karnataka is violating tribunal guidelines. This dispute has once again highlighted inter-state water allocation issues. The central government may need to intervene and ensure tribunal orders are implemented; otherwise, farmers will suffer. Both Telangana and Maharashtra have Congress governments. There is a chance for resolution through discussions, but Karnataka has been telling its farmers that raising Almatti Dam will benefit them. Any pressure on Telangana now could result in political fallout. The opposition is unlikely to remain silent, and if the Telangana government fails to prevent the height increase, public opposition may rise. How the Telangana government strategizes on this issue will be closely watched.