Andhra Pradesh Obstructing Almatti Dam Height Increase; Centre Must Intervene, Urges D.K. Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D. K. Shivakumar has urged the Centre to immediately intervene in the issue of raising the height of the Almatti Dam, alleging that the Andhra Pradesh government is creating obstacles despite prior clearances.

Addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said Andhra Pradesh has written to the Union Government opposing the proposal to raise the height of the Almatti Dam from 519 metres to 524 metres and has objected to land acquisition related to the project, even though the matter is before the Supreme Court. He appealed to the Centre to act in accordance with earlier approvals and not yield to what he termed as undue pressure.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the State Cabinet had resolved on September 16, 2025, to acquire 1.33 lakh acres of land in a single phase for the project, with an estimated outlay of ₹70,000 crore to be spent in three stages. Compensation of ₹35–40 lakh per acre had been proposed. However, Andhra Pradesh has questioned the land acquisition move, he said.

Shivakumar expressed surprise at the stand taken by Andhra Pradesh, stating that Karnataka has been pressing for notification of the decision taken on December 30, 2010, which allowed utilisation of water from 177 TMC to 330 TMC. He added that although Karnataka had placed proposals before the river board, including construction of a balancing reservoir at Navile to utilise its share of 30 TMC of water, Andhra Pradesh representatives were not participating in discussions.

He said that when Parliament convenes on March 10, Members of Parliament from Karnataka must collectively exert pressure on the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister to safeguard the State’s interests. Shivakumar stated that he would visit New Delhi during the Budget Session to meet Union Ministers and would also apprise Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the developments.

Referring to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Shivakumar said that while personal relationships may be cordial, political matters concerning the State’s interests must be addressed firmly. He also alleged that around 30 TMC of Tungabhadra river water due to Karnataka was being lost and efforts to create alternative arrangements were facing hurdles.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Karnataka has already spent nearly ₹20,000 crore on the project so far and that significant works had been undertaken during both the previous government led by Basavaraj Bommai and the present administration. He noted that while earlier land compensation rates were as low as ₹2,000 per acre when the dam project was initiated, current rates have escalated to nearly ₹40 lakh per acre, substantially increasing project costs.

Shivakumar said a Central committee had submitted a report stating that increasing the dam height to 524 metres would not cause flooding in neighbouring States. He pointed out that there are no stay orders from the Supreme Court against the project, yet neighbouring States including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana are raising objections.

Stating that Karnataka has the right to acquire land within its territory to implement approved projects, he said the State is prepared to proceed despite opposition. He also indicated that preparations are underway to take an all-party delegation to New Delhi to seek a resolution.

Concluding his remarks, Shivakumar asserted that Karnataka would continue to pursue the project in the interest of farmers and the State’s water security, and called upon all political parties to unite in protecting the State’s rightful share.