Online Classes
Almatti Dam Dispute and Telangana’s Concerns
The Almatti Dam dispute has once again emerged as a politically sensitive issue among Karnataka, Telangana, and other riparian states. At the heart of the controversy is Karnataka’s decision to increase the height of the Almatti Dam and the potential impact this may have on water distribution in the Krishna River basin.
1. What is the Almatti Dam Dispute?
The Almatti Dam, located on the Krishna River in Karnataka, is a key project for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The present dispute began when Karnataka sought to raise the dam’s height from 519.6 metres to 524.256 metres, as permitted under the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) award.
Telangana, however, fears that this move would affect the state’s assured share of Krishna waters and impact its farmers during critical agricultural seasons.
2. Why is Telangana Opposing the Move?
Telangana depends significantly on Krishna River waters for irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation. Farmers worry that additional storage at Almatti would delay or reduce downstream water flows, particularly during lean months.
Political leaders in Telangana argue that the state’s rightful share of water could be compromised if Karnataka is allowed to proceed unchecked.
3. Legal and Tribunal Context
The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II allowed Karnataka to increase Almatti’s storage capacity. However, disputes between the riparian states remain unresolved.
The matter is currently under the Supreme Court’s consideration, with clarifications on the tribunal’s award still pending. Telangana is closely monitoring the tribunal’s upcoming hearings, as the outcome will directly affect its water allocations.
4. Political Implications in Telangana
The issue carries significant political weight. For the ruling Congress in Telangana, protecting the state’s interests is crucial, especially with farmers and rural voters keeping a close watch.
Opposition parties like the BRS and BJP are using this dispute to question the government’s ability to safeguard Telangana’s water rights, making it a key topic in state politics.
5. Broader Significance of the Dispute
The Almatti Dam controversy is not just about engineering or water-sharing—it highlights broader issues such as:
- Interstate relations between Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Agrarian survival, as millions of farmers depend on Krishna waters.
- The recurring challenge of equitable water management in peninsular India.
Synopsis
The Almatti Dam dispute illustrates the complex interplay of law, politics, and resource management. While Karnataka seeks to expand storage capacity at Almatti, Telangana fears losing its rightful share of Krishna waters. With the matter pending before the Supreme Court and KWDT-II, the issue continues to influence Telangana’s political landscape, especially with farmers’ livelihoods and upcoming elections at stake.