Why in news?
The long‑running dispute over raising the Almatti Dam height resurfaced in February 2026 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu wrote to the Union government opposing Karnataka’s plan to increase the dam’s height. The proposal, permitted by a tribunal verdict in 2010 but not yet notified by the Centre, would raise the full reservoir level from 519.6 metres to 524.256 metres. Naidu argued that the change would reduce downstream water availability and exacerbate flooding in neighbouring states.
Background
The Almatti Dam, also known as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagara, is a composite earthen and masonry dam built across the Krishna River in Vijayapura (Bijapur) district of northern Karnataka. It forms part of the Upper Krishna Project and creates a reservoir that provides irrigation, drinking water and hydroelectric power for Karnataka’s drought‑prone regions. The dam’s power station has a capacity of 290 MW, and the reservoir can store over 105 billion cubic metres of live water. Completed in 2005, the project was intended to regulate Krishna waters before they flow into downstream states.
Details of the dispute
- Tribunal verdict: The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal headed by Justice Brijesh Kumar ruled in 2010 that Karnataka could raise the dam’s height to 524.256 metres, after hearing objections from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. However, the Union government has yet to issue a gazette notification to implement the decision.
- Opposition from states: Andhra Pradesh contends that a higher dam would reduce water flow to its irrigation projects and the delta region. Maharashtra argues that increased storage could flood its border districts, particularly Sangli and Kolhapur.
- Request for water release: During a meeting on 10 February 2026, Karnataka leader H.D. Kumaraswamy asked Naidu to release surplus Krishna river water to drought‑hit districts in Karnataka. Naidu acknowledged the water scarcity but simultaneously lodged a complaint against raising the dam height.
Key facts about Almatti Dam
- Location: The dam is situated between Almatti village in Basavana Bagewadi taluk and Sitimani village in Bagalkot taluk of Vijayapura district, Karnataka. Coordinates are approximately 16°19′N, 75°53′E.
- Structure: A composite dam comprising an earthen section and a masonry spillway. Its total length is 1,564 metres, and the maximum height above the foundation is about 49 metres.
- Reservoir: Known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagara, the reservoir’s live storage is about 105.46 billion cubic metres. The full reservoir level (FRL) is 519.60 metres, with the disputed increase proposed to 524.256 metres.
- Purpose: The dam supplies irrigation water through canals, generates hydroelectric power and helps regulate floods in the Krishna Basin. It is a vital source of water for northern Karnataka and influences downstream allocations to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Significance
- Water sharing disputes: The Almatti issue highlights the complexities of inter‑state river management in India. Balancing upstream storage with downstream needs requires cooperation and adherence to tribunal verdicts.
- Economic impact: Raising the dam’s height could increase storage capacity and hydroelectric generation for Karnataka but may affect agriculture and livelihoods in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Need for consensus: Dialogue among states and timely central notification of tribunal awards are essential for resolving the dispute and ensuring equitable water distribution.
Source: The Hindu
