Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that legal counsels have approved raising the Alamatti Dam’s height without legal obstacles. He plans to hold an all-party meeting to decide on moving forward. However, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have raised objections to the project.
The Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase 3 in North Karnataka aims to boost the Almatti Dam’s height from 519.6 m to 524.256 m. This increase would enhance storage capacity by 100 tmc ft to irrigate 5.94 lakh hectares. The project involves acquiring 1.33 lakh acres, impacting over 20 villages, with an estimated cost ranging from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 87,000 crore.
Delays in the major irrigation project stem from objections by Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Maharashtra. AP has expressed concerns to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry regarding land acquisition for the project. This has led to Karnataka challenging the clarifications sought by the Centre.
Deputy CM Shivakumar, also in charge of Irrigation, discussed the project’s status with state MPs in Delhi. He mentioned receiving suggestions from former CMs and MPs, including Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai. A decision has been made to lead an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister and the Jal Shakti Minister for further discussions.
