Almatti Dam Height Row Escalates, Maharashtra Raises Fresh Objections Amid Growing Inter-State Tensions

The long-standing dispute over increasing Almatti dam height has intensified again, with Maharashtra opposing Karnataka’s move, citing flood risks in Kolhapur and Sangli and demanding intervention

Kolhapur | 17 March, 2026: The ongoing dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka over the proposed height increase of the Almatti dam has once again gained momentum, triggering political and public concern across western Maharashtra.

Karnataka has been pushing to raise the dam’s height from around 519.6 metres to 524.25 metres as part of the Upper Krishna Project’s expansion. The move is expected to significantly increase water storage capacity and irrigation potential in northern Karnataka.

However, Maharashtra has strongly opposed the proposal, warning that increasing the height could worsen flood situations in districts like Kolhapur and Sangli. State leaders and local representatives argue that higher water levels may lead to backwater effects, especially during heavy rainfall, putting thousands of residents at risk.The issue has now turned into a broader inter-state conflict, with not just Maharashtra but also Andhra Pradesh and Telangana raising concerns over reduced downstream water availability and impact on irrigation projects.

Karnataka, on the other hand, maintains that the increase is in line with the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal’s earlier award, which permitted raising the dam height. The state argues that the project will help utilize surplus water and boost agricultural output.Meanwhile, political leaders and activists in Maharashtra continue to demand that the Centre intervene and halt the project until a detailed scientific assessment is completed. There are also indications that the state may approach the Supreme Court again if Karnataka proceeds further.

With strong positions on both sides, the Almatti dam issue remains a sensitive and unresolved water dispute, directly affecting lakhs of people dependent on the Krishna river basin.

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