Background of the Issue
- The Almatti Dam dispute is a long-standing inter-state water conflict involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
- The conflict dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, focusing on the Krishna River water-sharing agreement under the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II).
- Almatti Dam, part of the Upper Krishna Project in Karnataka, is a hydroelectric and irrigation project.
Present Trigger:
- Recently, Karnataka decided to raise the height of the Almatti Dam to improve its water storage and irrigation potential.
- Telangana fears this move will reduce water flow downstream, affecting irrigation and drinking water supplies.
Key Facts:
- Full Reservoir Level (FRL): 524.256 metres
- Current height after proposal: 519.6 metres → To be raised further
- Telangana relies heavily on Krishna River water for irrigation and drinking water, especially in its drought-prone regions.
- Any reduction in downstream water flow could severely affect Rythu Bandhu scheme farms, Mission Bhagiratha drinking water supply, and other irrigation projects.
Political and Legal Context:
- Congress Government in Telangana:
- Facing pressure to defend Telangana’s interests amid local body elections and strong opposition from BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) and BJP.
- CM Revanth Reddy assured that Telangana’s water share will not be compromised.
- State is ready to approach the Supreme Court if required.
- Opposition Politics:
- BRS leader K. Kavitha accuses the Congress of being soft on Karnataka, warning that Telangana’s water rights could be compromised.
- BJP leaders Raghunandan Rao and Kumar Reddy also attacking Congress over this issue.
Implications:
- For Telangana:
- Any diversion of water upstream would impact:
- Drinking water supply under Mission Bhagiratha.
- Key irrigation projects such as Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme and Dindi Project.
- Agricultural sustainability in drought-prone areas.
- Any diversion of water upstream would impact:
- For Karnataka:
- Raising Almatti’s height would allow better storage, benefiting northern Karnataka farmers, but at the cost of downstream states.
- For Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra:
- Andhra Pradesh is closely monitoring as Rayalaseema and Krishna Delta regions depend on Krishna water.
- Maharashtra’s cooperation is vital in water management upstream.
Historical Context:
- 1969: Almatti issue emerged as a major flashpoint during Congress rule.
- Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government also faced similar disputes in the past.
- The conflict has been periodically litigated in courts, making it a politically sensitive and legally complex matter.