Maharashtra disappointed at Krishna panel award

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan today expressed disappointment at Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal's decision to allow raising the height of the Almatti dam in Karnataka from 519.6 metres to 524.25 metres, apprehending it would cause floods in the state.

He said the state government will approach the Tribunal within three months of the clarification period in this regard after thoroughly analysing the implications of the Tribunal award.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Chavan said Maharashtra wanted the height of the dam in Karnataka to be reduced from the existing 519.6 metres as water released from it had caused floods in Sangli a few years ago.

"My government is firm on ensuring that there is no threat of floods due to the dam water in the state," he said.

The chief minister said even though the panel headed by Justice Brijesh Kumar has mentioned a proposal for a monitoring committee, Maharashtra government is firm on its demand that a joint management committee (JMC) be set up to process the operation for stage by stage raise in water levels. He hoped that the demand for a JMC would be accepted.

Chavan said the Tribunal award also had some positives for Maharashtra.

"We will get additional 25 TMC of water from river Krishna for electricity generation. At present, the state was getting 67.5 TMC. This is a major step for us," he said adding it will enable the government to elevate the peaking shortage since Hydro electricity is cheap.

Chavan said Maharashtra's share has been increased from 585 to 666 TMC of Krishna river water, an increase of 81 TMC on account of computation of water availability based on 75 per cent dependability.

"Maharashtra wanted computation based on 50% dependability and the Tribunal agreed for 65%. Hence our demand for lowering the computation norms has been partially accepted," the chief minister said.

Replying to a question on the opposition to Jaitapur nuclear power plant, Chavan said he will convene a meeting of elected representatives, media, locals and NGOs in Mumbai next month where Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) will make a presentation and the state government will explain measures for relief and rehabilitation.