State flags environmental and human risks, warns of severe flooding in Sangli, Kolhapur, and Satara if the proposal goes ahead
New Delhi: The Maharashtra government has formally urged the Central government to intervene and stop Karnataka’s proposal to increase the height of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River, warning that the move could trigger devastating floods in western Maharashtra.
On Monday, Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, along with a state delegation, met Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil at the Jal Shakti Ministry in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum highlighting serious concerns.
Proposed Dam Height to Worsen Flood Situation, Says Maharashtra
The Karnataka government’s proposal seeks to raise the height of the Almatti Dam from 519.60 meters to 524.256 meters. Vikhe-Patil stressed that this increase would significantly raise backwater levels, endangering Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra’s Krishna river basin.
"If the height of the Almatti Dam is increased, the backwater will cause flooding in Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts. Considering the damage to the environment and human life, we are demanding the Centre intervene immediately," said Vikhe-Patil.
2019 and 2021 Floods Cited as Evidence
The Minister pointed out that the districts of Sangli and Kolhapur witnessed severe flooding in 2019 and 2021, which Maharashtra attributes in part to heavy rainfall compounded by backwater from the Almatti Dam. The state has expressed long-standing objections to any further increase in dam capacity.
CM Fadnavis Already Raised Objections with Centre
Vikhe-Patil added that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already written to the Union government registering the state’s strong opposition to Karnataka’s proposed move.
“We are also submitting statistical data to back our claims. This is not just a political or inter-state issue—it’s about environmental security and human lives,” the Minister emphasised.
Karnataka’s Plan Under Scrutiny
While Karnataka argues that increasing the height of the Almatti Dam is crucial for enhancing water storage and improving irrigation, the proposal has drawn intense scrutiny from downstream states, particularly Maharashtra, which fears an increase in repeated and intensified flood risks.
The Central government has yet to issue a formal response or decision on the matter, but Monday’s meeting signals growing pressure from Maharashtra for urgent intervention.
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