Almatti dam height increase threatens Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar ayacut
HYDERABAD: Karnataka has accelerated work to raise the storage height of the Almatti dam on the Krishna river, sparking fresh concerns in Telangana over irrigation and drinking water security.
On September 17, the Karnataka cabinet approved raising the dam’s height from 519.6 metres to 524.256 metres, which will enhance its storage capacity from 129.72 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) to 279.72 tmcft. Experts warned that this could leave projects dependent on Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar reservoirs without water, especially in drought years.
Karnataka clears ₹70,000 crore for rehabilitation
The Karnataka government sanctioned ₹70,000 crore for land acquisition and rehabilitation of displaced families. Around 75,663 acres will be acquired, while 20 villages and 11 wards in Bagalkot municipality will face submergence. Farmers will receive compensation of ₹40 lakh per acre for fertile land and ₹30 lakh per acre for dry land.
Experts warn of water scarcity in Telangana
Irrigation experts said the move will adversely affect ayacut under major projects such as Kalwakurthy, Palamuru-Rangareddy, SLBC, Achampet lift scheme, and Nagarjuna Sagar left and right canals. “If Almatti and Narayanpur retain more water, not a single drop may reach Srisailam during drought years,” experts warned.
Karnataka has also completed canal systems to provide irrigation to an additional 5.30 lakh hectares and made arrangements to divert water immediately to ayacut. Telangana officials fear this will worsen drinking water shortages across the state.
The matter is currently before the Supreme Court.
