Karnataka: Siddaramaiah seeks gazette notification to increase Almatti reservoir’s height

Vijayapura: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Central Government to issue a gazette notification allowing the increase in the height of the Almatti Reservoir, following the allocation of an additional 130 TMC of water to the state as per the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-2 (KWDT-2) verdict.

Speaking to reporters after performing the Gangapooja at the Almatti Reservoir on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah emphasized the need to raise the reservoir's height from the current 519.60 meters to 524.25 meters.

"The height increase can only proceed once the Central Government issues a notification. We have already urged the Centre to take immediate action. It is essential for the Centre to discuss the matter with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka to resolve the issue," he said.

Siddaramaiah, said he along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers concerned to press for the Gazette notification of KWDT-2's final award.

The Chief Minister assured that Karnataka is ready to proceed with resettlement and rehabilitation measures linked to the project.

“The initial estimate for the project during our previous tenure was Rs 51,148 crore, but this figure may now reach Rs 80,000 crore. Our government plans to provide Rs 20,000 crore annually, totaling Rs 1 lakh crore over five years. However, for all this we need the Central Government's notification to begin the height increase project,” Siddaramaiah stated.

The proposed height increase would significantly benefit farmers in North Karnataka, providing irrigation to an additional 5.94 lakh hectares (14.68 lakh acres) across the Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Koppal, Raichur, Ballari, Kalaburagi, and Yadgir districts.

"A meeting will be held in Bengaluru with representatives from these districts to discuss resettlement and rehabilitation efforts," the CM added.

Addressing concerns about silt accumulation in the Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the issue would be reviewed to assess its impact on water capacity and potential challenges for farmers.

Siddaramaiah further highlighted that the Almatti Dam is currently filled to its full capacity, with the water level reaching 519.6 meters.

"We have had good rainfall this year, resulting in all reservoirs across Karnataka, including Kabini, KRS, Harangi, Hemavathi, Almatti, Narayanpur, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Sharavathi, Supa, and Vani, reaching full capacity. This will benefit irrigation, ensure sufficient drinking water supply, and boost power production. Additionally, with lakes and ponds also filling up, the groundwater level is expected to rise," he said.

Regarding the Tungabhadra Dam, Siddaramaiah informed that the 19th crest gate, which had been damaged, has now been repaired, and measures have been taken to prevent water loss.

"Only 35 TMC of water was lost during the repair period. Currently, the reservoir holds around 78 TMC of water, and if an additional 20 TMC flows in, the reservoir will be 95 percent full. Water has already been released for the first crop for farmers in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, there is no need for farmers to worry," the Chief Minister reassured.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the development of the Almatti Dam's surrounding areas into a tourist destination. He assured that steps would be taken to organize more programs and events to attract tourists.

DCM and Water Resource Minister DK Shivakumar, Industries Minister MB Patil, Textile Minister Shivanand S Patil, Excise Minister RB Timmapur, and other legislators and officials were present.