All-party leaders in Shirol protested against Karnataka’s plan to raise Almatti dam’s height, fearing severe floods in Kolhapur-Sangli. Thousands joined a Chakka Jam, demanding urgent central government intervention.
Anshu Kashid
Pune | May 21, 2025: Crossing party lines, leaders in Shirol taluka organized a huge protest on Sunday against the plan of the Karnataka government to increase the height of the Almatti dam by five meters. To oppose the raising of the dam height which they feel would put Udgaon at further risk of flood tragedy thousands of Marathwada and north Maharashtra flood victims offered their support for a Chakka Jam scheduled at Udgaon local leaders launched a massive agitation against the move last Monday fearing increased flood risks following raising completion in Kolhapur and Sangli districts, local residents and leaders last night launched a Chakka Jam in Udgaon, which featured thousands of flood-affected citizens.
Rising the Almatti dam to 524 meters will greatly aggravate flood conditions in downstream regions, the demonstrators said with great concern. Recent years have seen terrible floods in Kolhapur and Sangli; residents attribute increasing damage to water retention at Almatti.
All-party leaders vowed to resist the move aggressively. Prominent voices like Congress Legislative Council leader MLA Satej Patil and MLA Vishwajit Kadam even threatened direct action at the dam site if the Karnataka government proceeds. BJP MP Dhairyasheel Mane issued a stark warning, saying the decision could lead to the rise of Naxalism in flood-affected regions. Other leaders including MP Vishal Patil, Raju Shetty, MLA Rajendra Patil Yadravkar, and several cooperative heads lent their support.
Shirol taluka noted total solidarity stoppage. Living near the Krishna River, farmers and residents voiced anxiety and annoyance, labeling the height rise of the dam as a possible tragedy for the area.
Protesters have demanded immediate intervention from the central government to prevent further escalation and safeguard Maharashtra’s riverine communities.
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